Coach Jon Wiener went into last week’s match-up with Gunn expecting his Los Altos High boys water polo team “to be challenged in a league game for the first time in four years.”
He was right.
The Eagles had to rally from a fourth-quarter deficit to edge the Titans 8-7, preserving a league-winning streak that began in 2001. Los Altos, which improved to 4-0 in the SCVAL De Anza Division, has won 28 consecutive league games.
“I like the way we played, even though we made a few mistakes and missed a couple of open shots,” Wiener said. “(The players) were able to control their emotions in the fourth quarter and did what they needed to do.”
The host Eagles trailed 6-5 entering the fourth, then roared back with three unanswered goals to stun Gunn (4-1 division). It took just seconds for Los Altos to tie it up, as Ryan Stanley scored on a breakaway to open the quarter. The Eagles grabbed the lead midway through the period on a shot by Tyler Smith, who finished with a game-high five goals. On Los Altos’ next possession, Tim Miller scored to extend the advantage.
The Titans countered with 90 seconds to play but would score no more against Los Altos goalie Mike Peterson, “who had a few big blocks late,” Wiener said.
The Eagles got off to a sluggish start, trailing 1-0 until the 2:24 mark of the first quarter. That’s when Sam Elchert scored on a six-on-five situation created by Smith, who drew an ejection. Smith then went on a tear, scoring three goals on consecutive possessions in the final 1:37 of the quarter.
Gunn tied the game at 4 by halftime; Smith had the Eagles’ lone goal of the third quarter.
Los Altos, which has won seven games in a row and is 18-5 overall, is set to take on Palo Alto today. The game is scheduled for 2:45 p.m. at Paly.
Field hockey
Los Altos started strong but couldn’t finish that way in a 2-1 league loss at Leland Oct. 13.
The Eagles struck first – with Shri Vyas scoring off an assist from Brynn Elms in the opening half – but Leland tied the game by intermission. The Chargers then held Los Altos scoreless in the second half and put in the decisive goal.
Boys soccer
Pinewood slumped to 2-8 in the Private Schools Athletic League with a 2-1 loss to Redwood Christian Oct. 12.
The host Panthers fell behind 2-0 before scoring in the second half on a goal from Tim Egan, assisted by Matthew Whitlock.
Pinewood (4-8 overall) is scheduled to play a 3:30 p.m. league game Friday at Sacred Heart Prep.
Girls tennis
Mountain View defeated visiting Milpitas 7-0 Oct. 12 in SCVAL El Camino Division play.
Top singles player Shaya Geuder prevailed 6-2, 6-3 for the Spartans, who improved to 5-3 in league, 5-5 overall.
Mountain View is scheduled to host Cupertino at 3:30 p.m., Thursday.
