Cats Take 1st, 2nd, and 4th

Jungle Cat Water Polo controlled the Summer 2008 A League Tournament, capturing first, second, and fourth places.

In the first semifinal, the Lions defeated SLAP by forfeit. A game was played, though, as the SLAP roster was supplemented nicely with William Page and Mike Sizemore, Jungle Cats playing in the Open League. Despite sloppy defense and poor shooting, the Lions held on for a 7-6 win. Player of the Game Will Derdeyn notched two goals and a handful of steals.

In the second semifinal, the Leopards overwhelmed Mad Dog 12-4. Per usual, Steve Sigman took care of the offense, while Marty Ruzicka and Danny Faust keyed the defense. But Jack Buelter's contributions at both ends of the pool earned him Player of the Game honors.

The Lions and Leopards then faced off for the championship. Aided by Kenny Champion's two goals, the Lions clung to a late lead until ringer William Page scored for the Leopards with 10 seconds remaining to send the game to a sudden victory period. On the first possession, John Lewis found the upper corner from seven yards out for the Golden Goal, securing the championship as well as the Player of the Game award.

Finally, the Tigers swam against Mad Dog for fourth place, as Daisy backed out of the last set of games. With no substitutes and Kitten Michael Sigman in the lineup, Parker Finlinson scored a preposterous ten goals in a 15-4 pounding. The lone disappointment of the evening was that with better attendance last week, the Tigers could have played for third place and a sweep of the top three spots.

Still, Jungle Cat Water Polo proudly boasts three of the top four Varsity level teams, two competitive JV level teams, and the best middle school team. Thank you, players and coaches, for a dominant summer! I hope we have the chance to work together again during our winter session, beginning in early November.

Coach Baud