The Acalanes Dons JV boys water polo team made a splash at the JV Boys Jet Blast Tournament at Encinal High School in Alameda, winning all four games to claim the tournament championship. With balanced scoring, strong defensive pressure, timely saves, and unselfish passing, the Dons showed that their success comes from a full roster ready to contribute. Even a few players battling sickness and injuries—couldn’t cool off this group.

 
Game 1: Dons Defeat Clayton Valley, 10–6

The Dons opened the tournament against Clayton Valley with sharp passing and a balanced offensive attack. Colin Henitz connected with Spencer Salfen for a goal, while Luke Wellen added a pair of finishes, including a five-meter penalty shot. Ben Paulsen also found the back of the net as Acalanes built a 4–2 lead after the first quarter.

Clayton Valley continued to challenge the Dons, but Acalanes answered with defensive pressure and timely goals. Brady Pigeon finished a pass from Ryan Graff, and Luke added another goal from the five-meter line. The Dons kept working for good looks and closed out the game with a 10–6 win.

The first game showed the value of teamwork: quick ball movement created scoring chances, while defensive stops helped the Dons maintain control when Clayton Valley threatened.

Game 2: Dons Power Past College Park, 13–3

Acalanes turned up the offense in its second game. Colin scored early, and Luke followed with a goal as the Dons established a strong rhythm. Finn Butler added a bounce shot, while Ryan made important saves in the cage to keep College Park from gaining momentum.

The Dons continued to move the ball around the perimeter and capitalize on their opportunities. Theo Penn finished a passing sequence with a goal, and Alexander Mura drew exclusions that helped create advantages for Acalanes. Finn converted a five-meter penalty and added another goal, while Spencer Salfen also scored on a five-meter opportunity.

As the game progressed, the Dons spread the scoring around. Ben Paulsen, Ben Lin, and Mason Ross contributed goals, and Colin added another finish. With aggressive defense and patient offense, Acalanes secured a convincing 13–3 victory.

Game 3: Dons Dominate James Logan, 20–2

The third matchup started when Brady Pigeon won the opening sprint and helped set the tone with a goal and strong work around the pool. Acalanes quickly built its lead through steals, rebounds, and well-timed passes. Spencer and Finn helped turn offensive opportunities into goals, while the team’s defensive pressure made it difficult for James Logan to establish a rhythm.

The Dons’ passing game was especially effective. Ryan Graff delivered several well-placed passes, Alexander Mura battled through traffic at set, and teammates took advantage of rebounds and counterattacks. Colin Henitz capped the first quarter with a shot from center pool that found the net with just one second remaining—a buzzer-beater that made an already strong quarter even better.

Acalanes continued to build its lead after halftime. Ben Lin contributed with strong defensive work and a steal, while Mason Ross capitalized on scoring opportunities. The team also showed its versatility with changes in goal and players stepping into different roles. By the final whistle, the Dons had earned a dominant 20–2 win.

Game 4: Dons Close Out the Championship Against Amador Valley, 18–1

With three wins already secured, Acalanes entered its final game against Amador Valley determined to finish the tournament strong. The offense came out firing, with Colin reading the defense and setting up teammates for scoring chances. Finn Butler finished from a difficult angle, and Luke Wellen scored through tight defensive pressure.

Alexander Mura made his presence felt at set, holding position against a defender to score, while Mason Ross and Ben Lin also found opportunities to contribute. Spencer Salfen added to the attack, and Brady Pigeon scored from distance. The Dons’ ball movement kept the defense shifting and created open looks across the pool, helping Acalanes take an 11–1 lead into halftime.

The team maintained its momentum in the second half. Luke added multiple goals, including a strong drive down the pool followed by a finish into the upper corner. Brady scored again on a drive, and Finn finished a well-timed pass from Ryan. Meanwhile, the Dons continued to challenge shots and disrupt Amador Valley’s possessions.

Ben Paulsen also deserves recognition for stepping into the game despite his sprained finger—a testament to the grit and commitment throughout the roster. Acalanes finished with an emphatic 18–1 victory.

Jet Blast Champions!

The Dons’ undefeated run was built on contributions throughout the lineup. Strong goalkeeping, smart passing, defensive pressure, and unselfish play carried the Dons through four different matchups. Every game brought another opportunity for someone to step up, and the team consistently found ways to turn those contributions into wins.

Undefeated, united, and tournament champions—the Dons brought the Jet Blast!