In four games, all against last season’s top six teams at state, the Enumclaw High boys water polo team suffered four losses, but remain in the hunt for the final state tournament seed.

The Hornets are battling Auburn Mountainview for the fourth seed from the East Division and face the Lions at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Auburn. If Mountainview wins, or keeps the Hornets within three goals, the Lions will earn the East Division’s fourth seed to state. If the Hornets win by four goals or more, they move on to the state tournament, which is scheduled for Nov. 5, 6 and 7 at Rogers High.

Play started for the Hornets with a 15-3 loss to Wilson Oct. 20 and continued with a 10-5 loss to Auburn Riverside Oct. 21, a game that was close for three quarters.

Thursday, the Hornets faced defending state champion Curtis. The Hornets scored first on a quick goal by Logan Ross and Garrett Hall scored 2 minutes into the game to give Enumclaw a 2-0 advantage. The Curtis defense tightened and their high-powered offense came to life to give the Vikings a 5-3 lead at the end of the first period and a 10-4 advantage at halftime. Curtis went on to win 19-5.

Saturday, the Hornets traveled to Rogers High for their fourth game in five days. The Hornets stayed close through three quarters, trailing 5-3 heading into the final period, but the Rams held off the Hornets for an 8-4 win.

After facing the Lions, Enumclaw hosts Puyallup in the Hornets’ final home game at 3:30 p.m. Friday at the Enumclaw Aquatic Center.