The Highlanders lost and won at the same time.

Royal High’s boys’ water polo team fell to Palos Verdes 10-9 in the CIF-Southern Section Division 4 semifinals at Irvine on Wednesday.

Despite the loss, head coach Steve Snyder couldn’t have been more pleased with the effort and determination the Highlanders exhibited in the pool.

Royal trailed 8-4 but charged back to tie the game.

“At one point, I thought we might have just folded,” Snyder said. “It didn’t happen. We kept plugging away. . . . This was a total team effort.”

Sophomore Cody Moore, who finished with three goals, knotted the game at 8-8.

“They were clearly rattled,” Snyder said, describing the opponents’ mood after Moore’s goal.

Teammate Dustin Schwab tied the game once more at 9-9.

“There was a spark,” the coach said of his players. “I saw it in their eyes. ‘We’re not out of this.’ We made a run at them. It was ferocious. It was really great.”

After the senior-laden Sea Kings took a 10-9 lead, Royal had a chance to send the game into overtime with about 20 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter.

Palos Verdes foiled the Highlanders, but not the spirit of their players—or certainly an enthused Snyder.

“I think we should definitely be contenders to win it all next year,” the coach said. “I’d even put the word ‘strong’ contenders.”

Captain Tanner Jauch, the only Royal senior, ended his career with a brilliant postseason.

Jauch scored five goals in an opening win against Malibu, four against Cerritos and two against Palos Verdes.

“Tanner had a memorable playoff run,” Snyder said.

The coach is excited about next season, considering how well his Highlanders played throughout the year.

Five of Royal’s six losses were by one goal to quality teams, Snyder said.

“I feel we far exceeded our expectations for this young team,” Snyder said. “They overachieved in my opinion. (Wednesday) should serve as a positive springboard for a great year next year.” — Eliav Appelbaum