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Merced Union High School District

A Relevant Education For All

October 15, 2026

Merced boys water polo wins Clovis Tournament to extend winning streak to 20

Boys water polo player about to throw the ball

Three photo collage of boys water polo players throwing the ball

The Merced High boys water polo team was tested but came away with two one-goal victories on their way to a 4-0 performance at the Clovis Tournament to extend their winning streak to 20 consecutive wins. 

 

The Bears edged Clovis 13-12 in overtime on Friday and then pulled out an 11-10 victory over Los Gatos on Saturday. Merced (22-1) also opened the tournament with a 10-5 win over Clovis East and closed out the championship with an 18-5 win over Clovis West. 

 

“This weekend showed that we are one team on the same mission,” said Merced coach Eric Larson. “The Clovis and Los Gatos games were great examples of the belief that we are never out of a game. This team is definitely battle tested.”

 

The defending Sac-Joaquin Section Division II champions are currently ranked No. 1 in the Sac-Joaquin Section and No. 16 in the state by CalHiSports. 

 

Kade Slocum led the Bears onslaught against Clovis West with six goals. Cord McCall added five goals and Clayton Drury scored three. Nathan Larson racked up eight assists and Hunter Gossett picked up six steals. Merced goalie Eli Morison recorded eight saves.

 

McCall scored three goals and added five steals and two assists in the win over Los Gatos. Slocum and Gossett both scored twice and Morison picked up eight saves. Slocum scored six goals against Clovis. Gossett led the defense with 11 steals and Morison finished with eight saves. 

 

In the win against Clovis East it was Slocum leading in scoring again with four goals. Larson added three goals and Gossett added two goals, three assists and four steals. Morison finished with 12 saves.

 

“I could not be more proud of this team,” Eric Larson said.