Northern Elite Navy Flying High

The Northern Elite Navy woke up Saturday morning knowing that the day would not be as easily dismissed as the previous night happened to be.  After getting some much needed rest, they showed up ready to play Central Valley.  A fast start and some of the most pristine passing that was jaw dropping caused even Olympian and 2 time gold medalist, Bruce Furniss, to congratulate the team after their awe inspiring victory in their final round robin game.  The Navy squad put away Central Valley early and cruised into a 16-6 victory but knew the next game would be more of a test when they faced off against a talented, and rather large goalie, Trojan team.

Home of the Loyola High School lion cubs, Trojan Water Polo Club boasts an impressive background and record of success and toughness.  The Lions, however, were ready to show the Cubs what being the "king of the pool" really meant.  The Lions set out on a fierce pace as they only dropped two passes and scored on all but two of their first 7 possessions as they tallied 5 unanswered goals in the first quarter.  But, they werent done.  With an imposing 6ft 6inch goalie fluttering in the opponents goal, the Lions knew that their passes had to be exact and to the point.  And, it seemed as though they couldnt miss.  With pass after pass being placed around the perimeter and put in the hands of a moving driver, the monstrous goalie was all but paralyzed.  Leading the way for the Navy squad was Lucas Novak with seven goals and a number of great steals.  It wasnt all one person, however, as the Lions took away a number of passes from the Cubs as a team.  Their help defense left little to be desired as goalie Tony Zunino communicated well with his defense to align them perfectly to complete a first half shut out and all but put away the Trojans as they held a 9-0 lead at half.

Coach Wesley Kading was asked after the game what the difference was between the way his boys were playing this year as opposed to this year, his response was as follows:

"We're passing the ball well and capitalizing on the little things that we used to let get away.  We're playing smarter now."

The Northern Elite Lions Navy team will play in their semifinal match at 8am Sunday morning at Villa Park High School.  If they win their opener, their final will be at 140pm Sunday.