The Acalanes JV boys water polo team heads into Saturday's matchup against Novato on a high note, having routed the Cal High Grizzlies 17-4 in Lafayette last Wednesday, Sept. 16, with nine different Dons finding the net.
Spencer Salfen got the scoring started on a five-meter opportunity, sending a skip shot into the net, according to the Acalanes Boosters. Luke Wellen, Colin Heintz, Ben Lin, Ben Paulsen, Brady Pigeon, Finn Butler, Alexander Mura and Theo Penn all added goals as the Dons spread the scoring across the roster.
Butler and Penn delivered the game's highlight-reel finishes. Butler launched a long-range shot from beyond the five-meter line that beat the Cal High goalkeeper. Penn turned his defender before firing the ball into the net.
Goalkeeper Ryan Graff controlled the cage throughout the game. The Boosters credited him with making save after save against the Grizzlies' attack and directing the defense from the back of the pool.
The defensive effort extended well beyond Graff. Mura and Butler each came up with key blocks in front of the cage. The entire defensive unit pressured Cal High into turnovers, intercepted passes and disrupted the Grizzlies' attempts to build any sustained momentum, the Boosters reported.
Even in the lopsided win, Cal High's goalkeeper drew praise. The Boosters noted the Grizzlies' netminder made several difficult saves that kept the deficit from growing wider.
Individual goal totals were not available. The Boosters' recap named all nine scorers but did not break down how many goals each player put away.
Acalanes' varsity squad also beat Cal High that day, winning 11-8 at home, according to MaxPreps.
The Dons face Novato at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, before traveling to Lamorinda rival Campolindo on Wednesday, Oct. 7, at 4 p.m., according to ScoreBook Live.
