By Joe Scarriot ‘23

On Saturday, April 29, the JV Brother Rice water polo team traveled to Loyola to compete in the  Metro Catholic Aquatic Conference JV championship game against the Fenwick Friars. Coming into the game the Friars were the one seed and the Crusaders were the two seed, setting up a great matchup.

Sophomore Vic Basile said, “I knew we were going to beat Fenwick. The second I found out we were playing them; I wasn’t worried at all.”

The game was a defensive battle the whole way through. Both teams were playing conservatively, making smart choices and minimal mistakes.

Coach Scott Hidenhaugh said, “The game was played like chess; it just came down to what team would capitalize on the mistakes.”

The Crusaders certainly capitalized on the mistakes the Friars made, achieving a 5-3 win. Brother Rice goalie Ian Sorenson commanded the net, only allowing three goals in the winning performance.

The Crusader offense took advantage of every chance they had, scoring five goals. The goals were contributed by Gavin Ryan, Vic Basile, Darrion Phelps, Jim Spencer, and Eduardo Villa.

Senior Sean Mulcrone said, “These guys are the best JV squad in the state. They could easily compete against any varsity team in the state.”

The Brother Rice water polo program was once considered the most talented in the state with 13 state titles in 20 years. The future is surely bright for this program with all of its young talent. There is no doubt that the water polo program will continue to bring home more trophies to 99th and Pulaski and will soon reclaim the title as the most talented water polo program in the state.