The Menlo boys’ water polo came roaring back in the final minutes to defeat host Los Altos and advance to next Saturday’s CCS Open semifinals.

The Knights were down 10-8 before senior Calvin Barad, then freshman Avery Kuziemko scored back-to-back goals to tie the score with two minutes to go. Sophomore Hunter Coleman scored the go-ahead goal and a Los Altos shot missed as the final buzzer sounded.     

In Thursday’s semifinals, No. 2 Menlo (20-7) plays at No. 6 St, Francis - a 15-11 winner over Valley Christian. Menlo is one of just three schools to make the Open Division every year since its inception in 2017 (the others being SHP and St. Francis).

Menlo overcame an 8 to 2 penalty ratio in favor of Los Altos to win in the final minute of play. Coleman posted a hat trick and had four steals. Barad also finished with three goals, Sophomores Adam Afar had four assists, two goals while Lincoln Bott had three steals and two assists. Senior Connor Burks had two steals and 10 saves.