Exeter Sinks Boys Water Polo in Sudden Death Thriller

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On Saturday, October 3, Boys’ Varsity Water Polo played host to Phillips Exeter Academy in what, despite the heartbreaking conclusion, turned out to be a thrilling game for fans to watch. From the first sprint, both squads came out flying, as the Boar Pen crowd, Choate’s athletic spirit club, electrified the Larry Hart Pool. Choate’s defense stayed strong though much of the game but ultimately fell by a tally of 15-16, sending Exeter home with a smile and a win on its belt.

Choate struck early in the first quarter, but soon after, Exeter took control.

Even though the Wild Boar defense was rock solid, Exeter led four goals to two through one period. Choate fired back in the second quarter, clearly revitalized, and knotted the game at six half way through the tilt.

After a seesaw first half of back-and-forth goals and momentum shifts, an even better second half was in store.  After another exciting quarter, Exeter started the fourth quarter with a behind-the-back goal that silenced the incessant oinking of the Boar Pen and brought the Exeter fans to their feet. The score was even at nine. 

Luckily for Choate, Cocaptain Albert Zhang ’16 regained the lead for the Wild Boars seconds later, bringing energy back to the Choate faithful. After another score for each team, Choate scored a goal that many fans thought would clinch the game, but, unfortunately, Exeter quickly returned with a rip of its own. 

After one last goal from each team, regulation ended with thirteen goals for each team. Twenty seconds into overtime, Exeter took its first lead since early in the fourth quarter. With not much time left on the clock in overtime, the Wild Boars needed a score to keep the game within reach. After two more minutes of scoreless play, Choate tied the game with just under 30 seconds left.

With only three seconds left in the first period of overtime, Co-captain Omar John ’16 scored to give Choate a lead. The second period of overtime was greeted with cheers from Choate and Exeter fans alike. Only 30 seconds into the second three-minute overtime period, Choate’s outstanding senior goalie, Hakeem Angulu ’16, made a remarkable save on Exeter’s five-meter shot but was unable to secure the rebound, as an Exeter player quickly snatched up the ball and scored; the second overtime period ended in a tie.  This sent the game to sudden death overtime. 

After a chance for each team in the first minute of sudden death overtime, Exeter was able to bury one last goal past Angulu, ending the game and drowning the dreams of the Wild Boars. 

After the game, John  said, “A loss is never something to be proud of, but I couldn’t be happier with the way our team played and fought through until the very end. Unfortunately, we were just one goal short of a monstrous victory, but, nevertheless, a great game played by the entire squad.”

Looking forward, Choate Water Polo’s resilience will be tested as they venture north to Phillips Academy on October 10 and attempt to get back in the win column.

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