Water polo finishes first in Bay League with undefeated record

By Maddy Braybrooke
Staff Writer

With an undefeated season on the line and a first-place finish in Bay League at stake, the Mira Costa boys water polo team came through with a 14-8 win on Tuesday over Redondo.

“The game was a good way to end the season,” junior perimeter Dylan Linnell said. “It showed the loose ends we need to tie up in the next few practices.”

In the first period, senior team captain and perimeter Drew Rogerson attempted a shot on goal, but it was blocked by the Sea Hawks’ defense.

“We were tired from the game against Loyola, but we managed to pull through,” junior goalie Nick Dale said.

During the second period, Gabe Smith scored Costa’s third goal, but it was quickly followed by a goal from Redondo. Costa won possession, and senior perimeter Corey Erickson assisted a goal by senior whole set Austin Norris with Costa’s fourth goal, followed by another goal by Rogerson. Toward the end, Erickson scored off of a pass from Smith to make the score 6-2. Redondo scored another goal, but the period ended with a score from sophomore perimeter Jake Miller-Tolt.

“We started slow but figured out their defense,” Smith said. “So we stepped up our game.”

Redondo scored to start the third period, which Rogerson followed with a goal of his own. Redondo retaliated, making the score 8-6. The third period ended after Erickson scored on a penalty.

In the final period, Norris and junior perimeter Brandon Lavinsky managed to score. Afterward, Lavinsky assisted a goal to Smith to end the game with a score of 14-8.

“It was very satisfying beating Redondo at their own pool,” Linnell said.

The boys have their first California Interscholastic Federation game on Nov. 13, but location and opponent were unavailable due to the time of publication.