The Pitman High varsity boys’ water polo team clinched a playoff spot after Wednesday’s 15-8 home win over Enochs High in their penultimate game of the regular season. 

“We needed this one,” said Pitman head coach Justin Jones. “They are a great team, we just wanted to go out and have a great water polo game with them.” 

They had previously beaten Enochs, 14-7, securing the season sweep.

With the win, they have also notched back-to-back league victories in the Central California Athletic League. Pitman is currently boasting a 6-3 CCAL record with one game left — against crosstown rivals Turlock High.

The Pride started out strong on Wednesday, taking a 7-1 lead after a quick scoring frenzy that saw them put up five goals in the opening five minutes. 

By halftime, Pitman led 8-2. 

Then in the third, Pitman outscored Enochs, 3-2, taking an 11-4 lead into the fourth. 

The final seven minutes saw eight total goals scored as both matched each other at 4-4, ending the game, 15-8. 

“A positive way to end senior night,” said Jones. “The offense is finally clicking, which I love and the biggest thing is the defense, that is our biggest objective for Turlock… we want to control how many they put away, which will be tough because they are at home, at their home pool… crazy environment. If we can play defense the way we did against Enochs tonight, it’s going to be a great game.” 

Pitman has scored a total of 26 goals in the last two league games, including 29 goals in two meetings with Enochs. 

Pitman and Turlock will square off from the Bulldogs pool for the regular season finale at 3:30 p.m. Monday.