11.16.2021 – The Menlo boys’ water polo returned to the NorCals for their fourth appearance in as many years, and lost a thriller to host De La Salle 17-16 on Tuesday.

Trailing 11-7 at halftime, Menlo made some adjustments and came back to win the second half 9-6. Senior co-captain Greg Hilderbrand scored six of his seven points second-half goals to lead the Knights while co-captain Jack Murad led the team in assists with three. Early in the season, Menlo (16-13) hosted De La Salle losing that game 16-12.

“I was just so impressed by both the improvement of this team and also the heart they showed tonight,” Menlo Coach Jack Bowen said. “To be down like that against the NCS Champion and come back to a single goal was just so impressive. And it just being a one-goal game is a demonstration of the work and the heart this group of young men put in all season. I couldn’t be more proud to be their coach.”

“Even though we lost, I feel like this is a reflection of the way we grew as a team over the season,” Murad said. “To start the season, our chemistry was off and we really learned how to play together and trust each other as a group. Tonight showed that.”

Menlo School    4   3   5   4 - 16
De La Salle        4   7   3   3 - 17

Menlo goal scorers: Jackson Kay, Ethan Babel 2, Michael Fang 2, Tommy Kiesling 3, Greg Hilderbrand 7, Jack Murad
Menlo goalie saves: Cormac Mulloy (first half) 5, Finn Byrne 2