10.8.2022 – In an edge-of-your-seats homecoming match, Menlo boys’ water polo defeated Archie Williams 12-11 in the last seconds of double overtime Saturday. 

In front of a standing-room only crowd, Menlo (13-4, 4-0) hosted Archie Williams in a matchup between two of the top 10 teams in Northern California. The team are tied 4-4 in the series.

With 80 seconds left in regulation, junior goalie Cormac Mulloy came into the game and swam past the mid-pool point for a 7-on-6 attack. Mulloy scored the tying goal with just 2 seconds on the clock, forcing the game into overtime tied 9-9.

Jackson Coleman evened the score at 10 in the first overtime period. Then, Kiesling fired in a shot on an Ethan Babel assist with seconds left in the second OT period for the winner 

Menlo came out early to assert themselves with a 4-2 lead at halftime. The defensive battle was led by junior goalie, Cormac Mulloy, who played the first three quarters and tallied 12 saves and 2 steals. Archie Williams responded in the third quarter, scoring three quick goals to take the lead, up 6-7 going into the fourth quarter. Senior Finn Byrne took over the goalkeeper duties, finishing the game with seven saves.

Babel led Menlo with three assists while Tommy Kiesling and Jackson Coleman each had two steals. Kiesling led all scorers with seven goals.

“This was one of the best all-time games I’ve been a part of,” said Bowen following the game. “The overflow crowd of students, families and alumni provided the best, positive atmosphere you could have at a sports event. And these guys played as a team and found a way to win.”

Earlier in the day, as part of Menlo School’s Homecoming Weekend, they hosted the Hall of Fame Ceremony. Menlo inducted three water polo players: Grant Zider and Thomas Foley (class of 2002), both key members of Menlo’s first CCS Championship Team in 2000, and then again in 2001, and also members of UCLA’s National Championship Team in 2005, and Mike Merlone (class of 2006) the goalkeeper of Menlo’s 2005 and 2006 CCS Championship Teams and goalie at Princeton who’s currently second all-time in career saves for the Tigers.

“The three we inducted into the Hall of Fame so perfectly embody our team’s goal, ‘Be Your Best,’ even today, 20 years after graduating from our program,” Bowen said. “It was special for my current team to see their induction and meet them. And then to watch this year’s team step up and Be Their Best in the pool today.” 

Scoring – M:  Tommy Kiesling 7, Ethan Babel, Jackson Coleman 3, Cormac Mulloy. Saves: Mulloy 12, Finn Byrne 7.