GH polo puts up fight against top-ranked foes

Mon, Sep 22, 2008    to del.icio.us

Grand Haven water polo's 1-3 record at Friday and Saturday's East Kentwood Invitational may seem like a downer, but considering the way the Bucs competed against some top-ranked talent, it was deceptive.

The Bucs played a solid first half against annual power and No. 1-ranked Rockford; were within a single goal in the fourth period against eventual tournament champion and No. 3-ranked Ann Arbor Huron; and jumped out to a 4-1 lead against No. 6-ranked East Kentwood.

Yes, Grand Haven eventually lost all three games, but head coach Adam Briggs said he saw positives in each loss.

"It's the best water polo we've seen the team play," he said. "Offensively, we're still not nearly as balanced as we would have liked, though."

Grand Haven lost 11-2 to Rockford, 7-5 to Ann Arbor Huron, and 10-7 to East Kentwood. After its three losses in pool play, Grand Haven defeated Birmingham Groves in its crossover game, 12-5. Grand Haven scored 26 goals in its four games, and 25 of them were scored by either juniors Noah Veach or Sam Schulze. Veach led the way with 14.

Briggs said he was extremely pleased with the play of sophomore goalie Nate Koela, who had 38 saves.

The Bucs return to action Tuesday at Hudsonville.