Behind tournament MVP Thomas Hyvarinen and all-tournament selection Michael Adami the Denton boys’ water polo team advanced to the state tournament this coming weekend in Austin by virtue of their second place finish at the TISCA North Region Tournament.

The team started fast knocking off rival Guyer 16-8 behind six goals, two assists and three steals from Hyvarinen. Adami added four goals and a steal while Ben Naugle added chipped in two goals two assists and five steals. Brad Broussard contributed two goals and three assists while Josh Rowell added one in the victory.

Gus Cocchiarella stopped 15 shots to help lead the team to a 9-8 victory over Rockwell. Hyvarinen led the offense with five goals and two steals and Adami, Naugle and Broussard each scored once.

In the championship game the team struggled with Dallas St. Mark’s losing 16-3 as Hyvarinen and Adami were the only two to get goals.

The girls team also qualified for the state tournament by placing fourth picking up wins of Denton Guyer and Denton Ryan. It marks their first time in school history to reach the state meet.

Team members are as follows:

Girls: Laura Garrett, Brianna Broussard, Rachael Crews, Hannah Bowen, Tegan Specht, Riley Sallas, Kirsten Holmes, Reanna Fortune, and Sienna Nolet

Boys: Michael Adami, Ben Naugle, Tuomas Hyvarinen, Alexander Barker, Brad Broussard, Gus Cocchiarella, Josh Rowell, Curtis Stratton, Andrew Thompson, Omar Jebbeh, Jeremiah Dickens