By DIANNE VILLALTA

 Varsity water polo team dominated their season and were able to successfully make it to playoffs, where they took 4th place.

Water polo playoffs began with Birmingham Community Charter High School playing against South East High School at a home game on Nov. 8. The game proved to show that the Patriots had great communication and excellent teamwork.  The patriots won 21-3.

“Our defense was at the top and our passing was the best it’s ever been. Everybody stepped up. It was a total team effort,” varsity player Anthony Dracic said.

On Nov. 12, the Patriots played against Venice High School in an emotionally driven game. Venice struggled to turn the game around to their favor, but Birmingham would not lessen their control over the lead. Their hard work paid off when Patriots won 16-6.

Semi-finals took place on Nov. 14,  which determined whether or not they made it to championships, Birmingham lost to El Camino 12-9.

“I’m happy that we won (those games) but we lost to El Camino, all that hard work for nothing,” varsity player Maxim Grinfeld  said. “ We could’ve won the game but didn’t. It just means we have a lot of room to improve and next year we need to climb higher.”

Birmingham played against Cleveland High School on Nov. 20 for 3rd place but unfortunately lost and took 4th place.

Both varsity players are unsure of how next year will be but for certain they will aim higher than this year’s playoffs.

“Next  year, with a lot of varsity members leaving, we have to step up and lead,” Grinfield said.