Menlo News September 27, 2025

Boys’ water polo finalist at S&R Cup in Irvine

Knights (12-2) go 3-1, fall in championship to Mira Costa 9-7

The Menlo boys’ water polo team advanced to the championship game of the S&R Cup at the Wollett Center, Irvine, this past weekend.

The Knights (12-2) fell 9-7 to defending CIF-State Southern California Div. II champion Mira Costa in their first appearance in the final of the Cup.

Knights sophomore Hunter Coleman tallied 15 goals in the four games, including Menlo’s thrilling 12-11 overtime victory. Senior Connor Burks posted 28 saves.

In the semifinal, senior Calvin Barad scored the winner against Long Beach Wilson in overtime to send the Knights to the final.Senior Alex Stoffel had a hat trick and three ejections earned. Adam Afar posted posted seven assists and two steals

In the final, Menlo trailed 6-3 at the half. Along with his five goals, Coleman led Menlo with four steals and Afar had three. Andres Profit, a freshman, came away with three blocks

Menlo beat Davis 16-9 in the opener. Eight players scored for the Knights: Coleman had five goals and four steals. Sophomore Orfeas Skiniotis scored and had three steals while senior Evan Panchula assisted on two goals. In the quarterfinal, Menlo defeated Foothill 19-9. Stoffel poured in five goals and three assists. Coleman had five goals and five steals. Lincoln Bott scored and made four steals. Profit scored and assisted on four others.

S&R Cup

Championship

at Wollett Center-Irvine

Menlo School 2 1 2 2 - 7

Mira Costa 3 3 1 2 - 9

Menlo goal scorers: Calvin Barad, Alex Stoffel, Hunter Coleman 5

Menlo goalie saves: Connor Burks 7

Semifinal

Menlo School 2 4 4 1 1 - 12

Long Beach Wilson 4 3 2 2 0 - 11

Menlo goal scorers: Barad, Stoffel 3, Lincoln Bott, Coleman 5, Avery Kuziemko, Andres Profit

Saves: Burks 10