Bruins Capture 48th Cardinal Tournament

Brunswick emerged as the champions after a competitive weekend of water polo at the 48th Cardinal Tournament at Greenwich High School.

Having won each annual Cardinal Tournament since their first ever win in 2018, the Bruins were hungry for their fifth championship title. But they would need to upset the number one seed, Greenwich High School.
 
The Bruins set the tone for the tournament with an emphatic win over GHS B, 20-2. Their next challenge awaited them in the form of a formidable CT Premier team, a mix of talents hailing from Florida, Texas, and even a few familiar faces from their YMCA club teammates, in the semi-finals game.

Nevertheless, Brunswick secured their second win of the tournament, 11-9, sealing their spot in the championship game. Ryan Ohl led the scoring charge with a hat trick, while Adam Blum and Jack Scafidi contributed two goals each. JP Lavin, Peter Saunders, Ben Atkinson, and Emil Sogaard-Srikrishnan added one each, with JR Lindberg standing tall in the net with 13 saves.
 
Championship games always present unique challenges, and it becomes even more daunting when the home team boasts a distinct advantage. The Bruins faced a spirited Greenwich High School crowd in the stands, but the unwavering support from their own contingent of friends, family, and the faithful "swamp" set the stage for an epic showdown. 

As the championship battle unfolded, GHS struck first, but a seamless pass from Atkinson to Ohl promptly leveled the score at 1-1. GHS managed to sneak ahead by the end of the first quarter, leading 2-1. The second quarter was a seesaw battle between the two schools, with GHS finding the net first, followed by a response from Lavin. Another GHS goal was matched by strikes from Blum and Scafidi, both assisted by Lavin, knotting the score at 4-4 as they headed into halftime. Lindberg showcased his prowess with five crucial saves in the second quarter alone, limiting the Cardinals to four goals.
 
Finding their groove, Brunswick seized their first lead during the third quarter, with the Bruins' captains unleashing a barrage of three goals — two from Ohl and one from Lavin. However, GHS managed to sneak in a goal before the quarter's conclusion. The Bruins now held a 7-5 lead as they entered the fourth quarter.
 
The final quarter proved to be the most testing phase of the game for Brunswick, as they encountered a series of adversities that would truly test their mettle. The fourth quarter kicked off with GHS scoring an early goal to narrow the gap to 7-6. However, Ohl responded swiftly, extending the lead to 8-6. Another GHS goal (8-7) was met with a clutch strike from Ohl (9-7). GHS continued to press, bringing the game tantalizingly close, but Brunswick's resolute defense held firm in the final minutes, securing a hard-fought victory with a final score of 9-8.
 
Lavin showcased his defensive prowess, leading the team with four steals, and Blum made his mark by drawing six ejections.