The Las Lomas (Walnut Creek, CA) varsity water polo team will face off against San Ramon Valley (Danville, CA) in a neutral playoff game today at 1:30 PM at the Soda Aquatic Center. This match is part of the “2024 NCS Girls Water Polo Championships – Division 1” tournament.

San Ramon Valley vs Las Lomas Water Polo Game Info:

What: California High School Water Polo
Who: San Ramon Valley vs Las Lomas
When: Saturday, November 16, 2024
Time: 1:30 p.m.
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Game preview: San Ramon Valley vs Las Lomas

The 2024-2025 high school water polo season has been an exciting one, and a notable matchup occurred between two local rivals: San Ramon Valley and Las Lomas. With both teams entering the game with impressive records, this showdown highlighted their competitive spirits, skill, and dedication to the sport.

Team Overview and Records

Both San Ramon Valley and Las Lomas are successful teams in the region, boasting identical overall records of 19-8. However, their performances in the league and against common opponents have told slightly different stories.

San Ramon Valley
San Ramon Valley’s team has been strong, with a standout 8-1 league record and an overall winning percentage of .704. The team has proven to be dominant in both home and away games, securing 14 wins on the road and only 3 losses at home. Their offense has been strong, averaging 11.3 goals per game, with the majority of their points scored in the first and second quarters, where they average around 5.5 goals combined.

Las Lomas
In contrast, Las Lomas has had a more challenging season in league play, with a 1-3 record. However, their overall performance has remained strong with a .704 win percentage, matching San Ramon Valley in total wins. Las Lomas’ offense has averaged 9.5 goals per game, but their scoring tends to be more evenly spread out, with the third quarter being their strongest, averaging 2.8 goals. They also have a solid defense, though they have given up more goals than San Ramon Valley, with 199 goals against compared to their rival’s 154.

Head-to-Head Breakdown

Looking at their records against common opponents, San Ramon Valley has had the edge, winning 6 of 11 matchups, while Las Lomas has a slightly better record of 6-4 in the same group of games. Both teams faced off against strong opponents like Campolindo, Acalanes, Redwood, and Clovis East, with both teams experiencing mixed results in these encounters.

• San Ramon Valley faced a tough series of losses early in the season to Campolindo and Acalanes but bounced back with dominating wins against teams like Redwood (13-2, 13-5) and Liberty (18-0).
• Las Lomas, similarly, faced tough losses to Campolindo and Clovis East but had notable wins against teams like Redwood and Amador Valley, showing resilience in non-league play.

Their performance against Redwood was notably similar, with both teams scoring decisive victories, San Ramon Valley (13-2 and 13-5), and Las Lomas (4-3 and 12-9), showing that they can compete strongly against tough competition.

Key Players and Impact

Both teams have relied heavily on strong individual performances, with San Ramon Valley’s aggressive offense and Las Lomas’ strategic plays creating the foundation for their success. The scoring in the first half of games, particularly the 1st and 2nd quarters, has been vital for San Ramon Valley, while Las Lomas has been more unpredictable, often turning things around in the third quarter.

Looking Ahead

The rivalry between San Ramon Valley and Las Lomas will likely continue to be one of the most exciting in high school water polo. Both teams have shown they are capable of winning tough games, and with the playoffs on the horizon, their performances will be crucial as they push for state-level success.

As of now, San Ramon Valley remains the slightly stronger team in league play, but Las Lomas has proven to be a formidable opponent. With only a few games left in the season, both teams will be working hard to perfect their strategies, build team chemistry, and secure a spot in the playoffs.

San Ramon Valley’s Path to Success:
With an 8-1 league record and a strong showing in non-league games, San Ramon Valley is in a great position to make a deep run in the playoffs. Their potent offense, particularly in the early quarters, gives them an advantage over most teams. The big question is whether their defense, which has only allowed 154 goals, will be enough to withstand the pressure from other high-scoring teams in the postseason.

Las Lomas’ Resilience:
Las Lomas has struggled in league play, but their overall strength cannot be underestimated. With key wins over teams like Amador Valley and Redwood, they have shown that they can compete with the best. Their ability to score consistently in the third quarter could be a decisive factor in future games as they aim to capitalize on their opportunities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both San Ramon Valley and Las Lomas have delivered strong performances during the 2024-2025 high school water polo season, and their rivalry is one of the most exciting storylines to follow. San Ramon Valley holds a slight edge in most categories, but Las Lomas has the potential to surprise with their strategic plays and clutch performances. As the season heads toward the playoffs, it will be fascinating to see how these two teams continue to evolve and whether they can make a splash in the postseason.