09/05/07 ~ B WaterPolo
VC vs. Live Oak Game Day Recap

Valley Christian entered the 2007 season with high expectations, coming off a CCS Championship semi-final loss in 2006.  The Warriors have been hard at work trying to prepare for the coming season.  The first game of the 2007 campaign was with South-Valley rival Live Oak High School in Morgan Hill.

Valley Christian opened the game playing very hesitantly.  The added expectations put upon themselves may have played a roll in that, but the well coached Nuts also played tough.  VC was able to hold on to a 4-2 lead after the first quarter of play but were not satisified with that lead.

After VC recognized the need to attack the Live Oak defense the Warrior offense opened up.  Led by Aidan Lenihan, 7 goals in the game, the VC offense began to hit hard and were able to open up a 9-point lead mid-way through the third period.  The Warriors defense was also relentless as sophomore goalkeeper Devin Valdez, stepping in for the injured senior Ryan Stephenson, was able to secure 7 saves in the game.

Jonathan Grizzle scored the final goal of the game helping the VC Warriors close the game 16-6.  Jared Clapham’s inside presence, 2 goals in the game, was the key to the Warrior attackers perimeter scoring as Alex Higginbotham, Joshua Shemeta, Nikolas Kikuta also each scored one.  Shayne Fleming also finished the game with 3 goals, 4 steals, and 4 assists, leading the team in both categories.  Valley Christian is now 1-0 in CCS play (1-0 overall).