The following article is courtesy of Bill Daley of the Miami Herald. The photo is courtesy of Al Diaz of the Miami Herald.
Three times during the season, the Ransom Everglades boys water polo faced St. Thomas Aquinas boys water polo—and all three times, Ransom managed to edge them out in tight contests, including two golden-goal overtime wins. But on Saturday afternoon, with the stakes at their highest, it was St. Thomas Aquinas that flipped the script and delivered when it mattered most.
With Samuel Eastaugh and Holden Harkins combining for eight goals, Aquinas built a strong lead heading into the third period and held off a late rally to secure a 14–12 victory in the state championship at Gian Zumpano Aquatic Center. The win capped a 26–4 season and marked the program’s third state title, adding to championships in 2013 and 2023—all under longtime head coach Michael Goldenberg.
Goldenberg, who has led the program since its inception in 2005, celebrated by jumping into the pool alongside his staff, including his son Eric and assistant Gal Ben Kiki. He emphasized that the difference this time came down to execution and game flow rather than strategy, noting the importance of never falling behind against a disciplined Ransom squad.
After holding a slim 8–7 halftime lead, Aquinas created separation in the third period with a decisive five-goal run. Eastaugh and Harkins accounted for four of those goals, helping stretch the lead to 13–7. From there, St. Thomas shifted its approach—controlling possession, managing the shot clock, and focusing on defense to protect the advantage.
Ransom, entering the game 28–2 and nationally ranked No. 1, mounted a late push. Jack Merrick converted two penalty shots, and additional goals brought the score within one at 13–12 with under a minute remaining. But with just seconds left, Lev Konnikov sealed the win with a full-length empty-net goal, igniting celebration among the St. Thomas crowd.
Eastaugh, who finished with five goals, reflected on the narrow margin between the two teams and the urgency felt by the senior class in their final opportunity. Harkins added three goals, capping a remarkable high school career that included six total state championships across water polo and football.
