Soquel Knights Fall Short Against Sacred Heart Prep in Semifinals

In a closely contested match, Soquel High’s boys water polo team was defeated by Sacred Heart Prep of Atherton in the Open Division semifinals of the Central Coast Section playoffs on March 14, 2024. The No. 5 seed Knights held a narrow lead at halftime but ultimately fell to the defending champions, losing 10-7 at Gilroy High School.

Soquel, with a season record of 23-5, demonstrated resilience against the storied program, which has claimed the section championship title 17 times. Sacred Heart Prep has dominated the competition, winning 13 consecutive section titles and every Open Division championship since its inception in 2017. Knights coach Ryan Chapatte expressed pride in his team’s performance, noting, “Losing sucks, but I think we can take some positives away from tonight’s game.” He emphasized the team’s mindset heading into the match, stating, “You’re not gonna beat a team like 17-time CCS champ Sacred Heart if you don’t truly believe you can do it. Our boys put up a great fight tonight, and I couldn’t be more proud.”

Game Highlights and Turning Points

Soquel entered halftime with a 6-5 advantage, showcasing strong teamwork and strategic execution. Sam Robertson led the Knights with three goals in the first half, while junior goalie Rafael Suarez-Abraham made crucial saves that kept the team in the game. The Knights successfully assisted on five of their first six goals, indicating effective collaboration among the players.

Despite their impressive first-half performance, the second half saw a shift in momentum. Sacred Heart Prep outscored Soquel 5-1, capitalizing on the Knights’ foul trouble. Chapatte remarked, “They were able to capitalize on their extra-man opportunities, and our offense went stagnant. We did not have the same success against their zone.” This change allowed the Gators to reclaim control and secure their place in the finals.

Looking Ahead: CIF NorCal Regional Playoffs

Even with the loss, Soquel’s season is not over. Their semifinal appearance in the Open Division has qualified them for the CIF NorCal Regional playoffs. The Knights will find out their division placement, seeding, and first-round opponent on March 17, 2024. The first round of the regional playoffs is scheduled to begin on March 19, 2024, at 17:00.

This season marked a significant achievement for Soquel, as they reached the semifinals—a feat that extended their tenure in the Open Division one game longer than in any previous appearances. The Knights also made history as the first team from Santa Cruz County to win an Open Division game when they edged out No. 4 Los Gatos 12-11 in the quarterfinals.

As Soquel prepares for the upcoming regional playoffs, the team aims to build on their recent performances, continuing to foster the belief and determination that brought them success this season.