BAINBRIDGE – The past several matches have been particularly challenging for the Bainbridge High boys varsity water polo team, as the relatively junior squad splashed and struggled their way to a 4-6 overall season record.

“The boys are playing well but they are young and unfortunately other teams that we are evenly matched with, in terms of skill, are capitalizing on our lapses more so than we are on theirs,” said Spartan Head Coach Jacob Millican.

“That puts us at 2-4 in league and 4-6 overall,” he said of the team’s most recent loss to Wilson High Tuesday.

Prior to that, the Spartans dominated 18-7 against Peninsula High Tuesday, Sept. 23 before falling against Gig Harbor 13-8 the next week.

Not ones to be easily discouraged, the spirited Spartans jumped right back in and dominated South Kitsap 20-2 during their meeting Thursday, Oct. 2.

The team barely missed against Newport High the very next day, coming up short in the 8-5 match.

“Junior Jem Bullock continues to be a key addition to the team this year, averaging three goals and four steals per game,” Millican said earlier this week.

“Will Thompson also continues to play solid defense in the critical 2-M position as a freshman, picking up at least two steals a game out of this position as well as earning six assists over the last five games. Senior Riker Haddon and sophomore Jack Kapel round out our defensive squad, each averaging more than two steals a game.”

Indeed, Millican added, many of the team’s junior players have been stepping up promisingly.

“Sophomore Harrison Shinohara has recently started to provide another element to our offensive with accurate outside shooting that has led to at least two goals in every game,” Millican said. “And, more importantly, [he] keeps our opponent honest, having to defend both inside and up top against this new threat.”