The Spartan Boys Water Polo team held their own during the season opener jamboree in Auburn, despite some temporary ineligibilities that left the team without two starters and a limited bench.

“The remaining players pulled together for some inspiring water polo,” said Spartan Head Coach Jacob Millican. “Their fitness level was readily apparent as they kept up their physical style of play through eight quarter with a small bench.”

Each competition of the Sept. 7 jamboree consisted of two quarters against a series of four opponents.

The team played hard and narrowly lost the first two wins to Auburn-Riverside with a final score of 5-4, and Puyallup, ending at 7-5.

Roosevelt came out strong and dominated the game, crushing the Spartans with a final score of 10-0.

The last exhibition of the game was quite a different story when the Spartans took on longtime rivals the Rogers High School Rams, and decimated them with a final score of 13-2.

Despite the shortage of players, Millican said the team played well and showcased some of its defining characteristics.

“They are a young team with a lot of underclassmen providing both starters and strong players from the bench,” he said. “The team as a whole played an aggressive press defense that disrupted the opponent’s offenses and racked up an outstanding 41 steals.”

Noah Clark captained the offense and led the team in scoring with five goals and three assists throughout the day.

Conner Vacca anchored the defense with 15 steals, a solid showing for his first time in the 2M defensive position.

“Power plays and ball control stood out as areas of improvement,” Millican said. “As some of the upperclassmen regain eligibility they will provide their experience in these areas to help round out the team.”

The Spartans play their first home game at 4:45 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18 at the Bainbridge Island Aquatic Center.