Bellevue Boys Water Polo Shine in Division 2 Tournament, Secure Spot in State Tournament
The Bellevue Wolverine Boys’ water polo team had an eventful week as they participated in the Puget Sound D2 tournament. Entering the tournament tied for first in the D2 East, Bellevue faced their first opponent, the Peninsula Seahawks, on Friday evening. The Wolverines had a slow start, with two of their three goals in the first quarter coming from 5-meter penalties. However, they quickly took control in the second quarter, leading 10-1 by halftime. The second half saw a mix of rotations off the bench, with Bellevue continuing to dominate and limiting the Seahawks’ shots on goal, ultimately closing out the game with a 14-3 victory.
Next, Bellevue faced the Gig Harbor Tides. The Wolverines came out strong, going up 5-0 in the first half and continuing to pull ahead with multiple players scoring, ending the half at 9-2. Rotations off the bench began again, and the team maintained their lead, finishing the third quarter at 13-4. In the fourth quarter, with the starters on the bench, Bellevue held onto their lead and secured a 14-9 victory, advancing to the D2 Championship game on Saturday night against the Roosevelt Rough Riders, a team they had faced twice earlier in the season.
In the Championship game, Bellevue started strong, taking the lead with the first goal and adding another shortly after. However, Roosevelt quickly responded, and the game took a turn. Bellevue found themselves in early foul trouble, with four of the six starters each earning a foul in the first half. These challenges persisted into the second half, with Bellevue losing the lead and Roosevelt taking command of the game. The Wolverines struggled with fouls, with multiple starters having two fouls each, and fell further behind in the third quarter. Despite their efforts, Bellevue was defeated by Roosevelt, losing 10-6. This placed Bellevue in second place in Division 2 but clinched a spot for them in the D1 State Tournament starting this week, opening a path for the team to earn back a spot in D1 for next season.
The Wolverines have had an exceptional season, showcasing amazing teamwork, sportsmanship, and resilience through adversity. Their performance in the tournament, especially during the challenging game against Roosevelt, highlighted their determination and spirit. Despite the physical and demanding nature of the Championship game, Bellevue’s players demonstrated their commitment to each other and their sport, making their community proud and setting a strong foundation for future success.
