09/25/07 ~ B - Water Polo
San Diego Recap

Valley Christian's men's water polo team headed to San Diego to participate in the America 's Finest City Tournament this past weekend. This tournament was a high level tournament where the Warriors were hoping to build upon their 5-1 overall record.

The first game was against Santana High School . The Warriors had issues finding the back of the net in this game, shooting 8 for 30. They also had a difficult time as Santana was able to force 14 extra man advantages compared to VC's 6. Unable to overcome their poor shooting and the extra man ratio, Valley Christian fell 8 to 11. Shayne Fleming led the team in scoring with 4 goals and 5 steals. Andrew Alderette led the team with 2 assists.

After losing their first game, Valley Christian came out versus Serra of San Diego determined not to let this tournament turn negative. VC jumped on Serra early, opening up a 5 goal lead after the first period and winning the game 19 to 6. Aidan Lenihan scored 5 goals while Jared Clapham pitched in with 4. Joshua Shemeta led the team in steals with 3.

Starting off day 2 of the tournament, Valley Christian was pitted against the physically strong team of Fallbrook. After a slow start, Valley Christian was able to turn the tables and take a lead that they would not relinquish the rest of the game. Fallbrook came within one goal late in the game but the Warriors would not let them get any closer, closing out the game 9 to 8. Adian Lenihan scored 6 goals in the win while both Shayne Fleming and Jared Clapham stole 3 balls each. Devin Valdez came off the bench to help solidify the cage and lead the team during the second half.

The fourth game for the Warriors was against Valhalla who was coming off a loss earlier that week to La Jolla HS (they placed 4 th in this tournament); the loss was only by 1 goal. Valley Christian came out swinging and opened up a 5-1 lead after the first period. They never looked back, continuing the solid defense that led to their great offensive performance. VC won the game against the proven Valhalla with a commanding 13 to 5 victory. Alex Higginbotham, Jared Clapham and Aidan contributed with 3 goals each. Alex also connected with scorers 3 times for a total of 3 assists and 4 steals. Shayne Fleming continued his dominant defense tallying 5 steals on the game.

The final game of the tournament was against a very tough J Serra team of Orange County . After losing Aidan Lenihan and Alex Higginbotham for the game, and finding Shayne Fleming on the bench with 2 ejections called on him; the Warriors found themselves down by 3 goals. The Warriors got fired up at half time and, although shorthanded, they were able to take a one goal lead with under a minute left sparked by the strong goal keeping of Ryan Stephenson. Stephenson was able to block a penalty shot and tally a season high 11 saves on 26 shots. However, J Serra was able to tie the game up on their last possession and force overtime. In overtime, VC had the first possession and although getting a very good look, they were unable to score. J Serra was awarded a man advantage but Stephenson made another fantastic save. The ball bounced into the hands of a J Serra player and he scored to end the game. VC was led by Shayne Flemings 4 goals and 5 steals, while his younger brother Casey contributed with 3 assists.

Overall, VC was 3-2 in the tournament and seemed to improve each game (as is the case with each game this season). Aidan Lenihan led all scorers for VC with 17 goals; Alex Higginbotham led the team with 6 assists; and Shayne Fleming made 18 steals throughout the weekend.

vs Santana: L 8-11

vs Serra (San Diego): W 19-6

vs Fallbrook: W 9-8

vs Valhalla: W 11-5

vs J. Serra (Orange County): L 8-9 OT