TOWAMENCIN – Going into their Tuesday night matchup against rival Souderton, the North Penn Knights water polo team knew that they were in for a battle. The Big Red were one goal winners in their last matchup and were neck and neck with the Knights in the standings.

As well, it was senior night in Telford for the seven Souderton seniors. The atmosphere was electric and the game lived up to the hype as Souderton was able to hold off North Penn 9-8 in a back and forth battle of epic proportions.

North Penn jumped out to an early lead on the only first quarter goal courtesy of senior Harrison Friel. However Souderton stormed back in the second quarter, jumping out to a 4-2 lead heading into the half.

Coming out of the locker room the Big Red kept their foot on the pedal, jumping up to a commanding 6-2 lead. The game seemed almost out of reach for the Knights, but Nico Kountrubis had other ideas. With two quick goals within a minute of each other, the North Penn junior put the Knights right back in the game.

“We showed that we were not going to give up, even down by four goals” said Corey Smith, Knights senior. Smith had many key shot blocks for the Knights.

The Big Red jumped ahead again to an 8-4 lead in the fourth, however it was swiftly negated once again by two North Penn goals, including a third from Kountrubis.

With a minute left in the game and Souderton up 9-8, the Knights got a man up opportunity. With time waning on the shot clock and game clock, Mike Sisko ripped a shot that hit iron and the Knights chance at redemption for the previous loss was gone.

“It’s a tough (loss) but I’m extremely proud about how we played. I think we’re in a good position to get ready for states” said Smith of his team

The Knights look to get back to their winning ways Against Pennridge on senior night October 22nd.