NAPA, CA — The Cardinal Newman Girls water polo team showed resilience and promise for the future, taking on a tough Vintage High squad but ultimately falling short with a final score of 3-8. The game marked a hard-fought battle for the young Cardinals team, demonstrating both progress and potential as they look ahead to next season.

The game opened with a close first quarter, ending with Vintage up 2-1, with the Cardinals keeping pace early on. In the second quarter, the teams matched goals, going into halftime at 2-2. Vintage, however, surged ahead in the third quarter with a 5-2 lead and solidified their victory with a strong fourth quarter to bring the final score to 8-3.

Senior Lydia Cunningham was a standout performer for Cardinal Newman, scoring three goals and making five steals, showcasing her dual offensive and defensive impact. Goalie Marika Turbeville also impressed with seven crucial saves, helping to keep the game close for much of the match.

Meanwhile, the Varsity Boys continued their undefeated streak in league play, taking down Napa High with a dominant 18-4 victory, securing their spot in the League Championship game on Friday, November 1.

From the opening quarter, Cardinal Newman's offense proved unstoppable, building a 7-2 lead by the end of Q1 and extending it to 11-3 by halftime. The Cardinals continued to widen the gap in the second half, closing out the game with a final score of 18-4.

Brody Hansel led the charge with six goals, three assists, and seven exclusions earned, while Tomas McCarthy contributed five goals, two assists, and two steals. Aiden Wolfe added one goal, two assists, and five steals to strengthen the Cardinal defense, and Ian Beranek made key defensive plays with four steals alongside his goal.

The Cardinal Newman Boys now look to continue their undefeated season and claim the league title in Friday's championship game.