Cate came up short against Villanova, 11-8, in Tri-Valley League boys water polo match on Wednesday.
The Rams rallied from a 3-1 deficit after the first period with four goals. The perimeter shooting of Zack Allen and goals by sophomore Alex Brown keyed the rally.
A goal by Allen just before the buzzer to end the third period gave the Rams a 7-4 lead.
In the final period, Villanova capitalized on Cate mistakes and roared back. The Wildcats scored three goals in the final 1:38 to win the game.
Allen scored five goals and Brown added three to lead Cate (2-4, 0-3).
Despite the heartbreak of giving up the win, it truly was the best team effort of the season,” Cate coach Nathan Aldredge said.
The Rams host Carpinteria next Wednesday at home at 3:15 p.m.
