The Alameda men’s water polo team’s quest for a North Coast Section (NCS) Div. II championship evaporated in the final after a 13-8 defeat to Marin Academy of Santa Rosa Saturday, Nov. 11.

The Hornets (25-5) trailed 8-5 at halftime. Alameda’s deficit widened in the third period. The Hornets were outscored 3-1 and trailed 11-6 heading into the final frame.

The West Alameda County Conference champions scored two goals to pull within three with 1:53 left. But with its goalie out of the cage, helping on offense, Marin Academy sophomore Luke Chase fired a dagger with 1:45 remaining. The Wildcats scored another goal to give them the 13-8 victory. The Hornets entered the NCS playoffs as the two seed in the 16-team playoffs. They beat Concord (20-6 on Nov. 1), Piedmont (12-5 on Nov. 4) and Livermore (14-13 on Nov. 8) before the championship match. Even with the loss the Hornets still qualified for the California Interscholastic Federation NorCal Div. II playoffs. They took on Rio Americano in the first round on Tuesday, Nov. 14.

Women’s Water Polo
The Alameda women’s water polo season ended with an 8-4 loss to Carondelet of Conord in the NCS Div. II semifinals on Nov. 8. The Hornets (19-5) defeated Mission of San Jose and Justin-Siena of Napa prior to their loss.

The Encinal women’s water polo team (19-8) lost to Drake of San Anselmo 15-3, Nov. 4, in the NCS quarterfinals to conclude their season.