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Hornet JV Look Good in Auburn Tournament

The EHS JV Water Polo Team took part in Auburn's JV tournament on Saturday, and played well against three of the state's best water polo programs, losing to Curtis, tying Bellevue, and beating perennial powerhouse Mercer Island.

In the Hornet squad's first game of the day, Enumclaw lost to Curtis 8-5. The Hornets kept it close for the first half, trailing the Vikings 3-2 at halftime. But Curtis' physical play frustrated the Hornets, and the Vikings were able to take advantage of Enumclaw's mistakes and extend their lead through the third and fourth quarters, for the final 8-5 decision.

Brandon Butler scored two for the Hornets in the opening loss, and Riley Sexton, Bryce VanHoof, and Seth Rickard each scored a goal.

In Enumclaw's second game, the Hornets faced Bellevue, another physical team. Bellevue dominated the Hornets early, holding a 2-1 lead after one period, and a 4-2 lead with one minute left in the first half. Hornet Patrick Peet scored in the last minute of the first half, and River Cory scored early in the third period, to tie the game at 4-4. The teams traded scores in the remainder of the third quarter, for a 6-5 Bellevue lead going into the final quarter.

In the fourth quarter, Riley Sexton tied it for Enumclaw on a power play in the opening minute. Goals by Brandon Butler and Patrick Peet gave Enumclaw an 8-6 advantage with three minutes left in the game, but Bellevue was able to scratch back, scoring with 2:40 left and on a last-second shot, to tie the game 8-8.

In the Hornets' final game of the day, Enumclaw bounced back to beat Mercer Island after falling behind 2-0 early in the second quarter. The Hornets fought back to hold a 3-2 lead at halftime, and a 6-4 advantage after three periods. Enumclaw held Mercer Island scoreless in the final quarter, and added two goals from Brandon Butler and one from Bryce VanHoof, to finish with a 9-4 win. Butler scored five of the Hornet goals in the win, and Riley Sexton, Bryce VanHoof, Seth Rickard, and Shay Larsen each scored one.