Cate was unable to hold the lead and dropped its first boys water polo match of the season, a 9-7 decision at Santa Maria.
Coach Nathan Aldredge said the Rams were in control for three periods, but struggles on the power play and a surge by Santa Maria led to the defeat. Cate converted on only one of 12 6-on-5 situations.
Santa Maria, meanwhile, scored on three 5-meter penalty shots in the final two periods and overtook the Rams for good with 1:30 to play in the game.
Zack Allen scored six goals to lead Cate (2-1), which opens league play next Wednesday against Malibu.
