It was a case of so close yet so far for the Dos Pueblos boys water polo team on Tuesday, as the Chargers stormed back from a 7-3 halftime deficit only to fall short against visiting Mater Dei 10-9.
The Monarchs, ranked No. 1 in Division II, led the Division I fourth-ranked Chargers 9-5 heading into the fourth quarter. DP scored two quick goals at the start of the period to close the gap to 9-7. Derek Shoemaker, who had three goals in the game along with Kevin Cappon, was fouled outside five meters with two minutes left and put a goal away to make it 9-8.
Mater Dei scored its 10th goal with 15 seconds left, however, and Cappon’s goal with eight seconds remaining wasn’t enough.
“It was a tough one. It’s kind of been a trademark of ours this season,” said coach Chris Parrish.
The Chargers host Thousand Oaks on Wednesday afternoon at 3:15 p.m.
