![“[Building nerf blasters] became this outlet of creativity for me that hasn't been matched by anything else. The process [of] making a build complete to your desire is such a painstakingly difficult process, but I've had to learn from [the skills needed from] soldering to proper painting. There's so many different options for everything, if you think about it, it exists. The best part is [that] if it doesn't exist, you can build it yourself," Ishaan Parate said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/DSC_8149-900x604.jpg)
![“When I came into high school, I was ready to be a follower. But DECA was a game changer for me. It helped me overcome my fear of public speaking, and it's played such a major role in who I've become today. To be able to successfully lead a chapter of 150 students, an officer team and be one of the upperclassmen I once really admired is something I'm [really] proud of,” Anvitha Tummala ('21) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Screen-Shot-2021-07-25-at-9.50.05-AM-900x594.png)
![“I think getting up in the morning and having a sense of purpose [is exciting]. I think without a certain amount of drive, life is kind of obsolete and mundane, and I think having that every single day is what makes each day unique and kind of makes life exciting,” Neymika Jain (12) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Screen-Shot-2017-06-03-at-4.54.16-PM.png)
![“My slogan is ‘slow feet, don’t eat, and I’m hungry.’ You need to run fast to get where you are–you aren't going to get those championships if you aren't fast,” Angel Cervantes (12) said. “I want to do well in school on my tests and in track and win championships for my team. I live by that, [and] I can do that anywhere: in the classroom or on the field.”](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC5146-900x601.jpg)
![“[Volleyball has] taught me how to fall correctly, and another thing it taught is that you don’t have to be the best at something to be good at it. If you just hit the ball in a smart way, then it still scores points and you’re good at it. You could be a background player and still make a much bigger impact on the team than you would think,” Anya Gert (’20) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AnnaGert_JinTuan_HoHPhotoEdited-600x900.jpeg)
![“I'm not nearly there yet, but [my confidence has] definitely been getting better since I was pretty shy and timid coming into Harker my freshman year. I know that there's a lot of people that are really confident in what they do, and I really admire them. Everyone's so driven and that has really pushed me to kind of try to find my own place in high school and be more confident,” Alyssa Huang (’20) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AlyssaHuang_EmilyChen_HoHPhoto-900x749.jpeg)
Varsity boys water polo succumbed to Saint Francis High School 11-13 in the Open Division CCS semifinal match.
This game marked the first time in Harker history that the team reached the CCS Open Division after beating Bellarmine 15-14 in the quarterfinals during double overtime on Nov. 9.
“I was never expecting to play against Saint Francis players in the first place, so I was honored that we got to play the match,” driver Oskar Baumgarte (12) said. “We knew it would be a hard game from the start, but overall, as a team, we were just happy to be playing.”
Jumping to a quick 2-0, the Lancers scored a goal from center and another on a penalty shot within five minutes. Driver Ian Cheline (10) and left-wing Vyom Vidyarthi (12) struck back with one goal each to level the score. After a Lancer goal, utility Akash Dubey (10) capitalized on a Lancer’s ejection to score a tip goal, tying the game 3-3. Harker’s defensive mistakes from quick Lancer counterattacks forced two penalties within two minutes, with one save from goalkeeper Alejandro Cheline (11). Closing off the quarter, Vyom scored a skip shot from six meters, ending the period 4-4.
The second quarter opened with two goals from the Lancers who pressed for more, but Alejandro made clutched saves, including another penalty block. Hole guard Adam Pawliger (12) scored a goal to narrow the gap to 5-6.
In the third quarter, Akash struck again from a power play following a Lancer exclusion. The Lancers scored twice more during the Eagles’ defensive lapses, including not helping the center defender drop back on the Lancer’s center, to extend their lead to 9-6.
Taking advantage of Saint Francis’s fatigue, Adam scored the first goal in the fourth quarter, tipping in a shot to bring the score to 7-9. The Lancers scored another goal, but Vyom and Ian scored back-to-back, closing the gap to 8-10. Driver Ossi Carrico (9) tied the game 11-11 with a skip shot three minutes before the quarter’s end, eliciting cheers from the crowd. After both Ian and Akash were ejected from getting three fouls, Saint Francis scored two late goals, clinching the victory 13-11.
Adam, Harker’s lead scorer in the game with four goals, reflects on the match that ultimately resulted in their loss.
“It was definitely disappointing seeing that we came so far,” Adam said. “There was just a series of mistakes that caused us to lose the game. No one person was at fault, but we made defensive mistakes, and one little mistake can cause a chain reaction.”
Despite the loss, Alejandro and Ian’s father Doug Cheline attributed the team’s historic run to the camaraderie between the players.
“One of the biggest things that you can see when you’re watching this team is that this team plays with more heart than any other team out there,” Cheline said. “This year, the coaches have also really nailed it with smart strategic plays, and the athletes have gelled really well together.”
The team concluded their season with a league record of 10-2, finishing second in the Santa Clara Valley De Anza Athletic League.
