It’s been a tough season so far for the Bainbridge boys water polo team, but they’re starting to show improvement in the pool.

Grant Dunaway and Jared Bell each had three goals while goalie Blake Harper had a stellar performance in Team Ray’s 13-11 win over Newport Monday night at the BIAC.

The win avenges two losses to the Knights earlier in the season.

Harper, a three-year starter in goal for Bainbridge, had 17 blocks, including several on point-blank shots. The senior co-captain said he takes pride in blocking what in water polo terms are “one-on-nobody stops.”

“I probably have two or three a game,” he said. “They’re really fun because it gets the guys really stoked and it gets me really stoked.”

It was his eight blocks in the second and third quarters that helped push Bainbridge ahead for good. Harper allowed just two goals over two periods as the Knights were held without a goal for well over 10 minutes.

He also had three assists in the second quarter – a rare feat for a goalie.

“He’s a stud in every game (we play),” head coach Kristin Swanson said. “He saves us a lot. He’s a really hard worker and he’s got quick hands and great reaction time. He’s also a great passer. He’s just a stud.”

Harper’s six blocks in the fourth helped Ray keep the lead despite the players turning the ball over with plenty of time on the shot clock – much to Swanson’s consternation.

“I think that’s the first time we’ve played with a lead (this season,)” she said. “I think they were getting a little ahead of themselves. It’s a new thing for us, but hopefully we’ll get better at [protecting a lead.]”

Swanson hopes the number of games she’s scheduled over the season can help a young – only three seniors – and inexperienced team get better before the state tournament in November.

“I think the more we play, the more we figure each other out as a team and the more confidence we get, it’ll all come together at state,” she said.

Harper felt the same way.

“We have the smallest senior class I’ve ever played with, but it’s the best team,” he said. “A lot of guys put in more work than is called upon them.”

Alex Nowjack had two goals and two assists, while Casey Taylor and Riley Deering had two goals.

Against Shorewood on Tuesday, Bainbridge won 12-4.

Dunaway had five goals while Bell had three and Ben Martin scored his first career goal as well.

The Bainbridge JV lost to Shorewood 14-3 and Bellevue 12-9 in a six-quarter scrimmage, but beat Newport 11-7 on Tuesday.

Nick Williams and Mitch Coryell had five goals apiece while Mark Smith had a goal, five steals and three blocked shots.

Goalie Webber Coryell had 10 blocks.

Team Ray played CPA in a league game Thursday. They play Mercer Island Oct. 21.