Staff Writer
Sean McDonald
In a game that went back and forth the entire time, with no team proving that it was better than the other, some bad luck and early season troubles were the deciding factor in the Mustangs’ season opener loss.
The Mira Costa boys water polo team fell short in its 11¬-8 loss against the San Marcos Royals; the game took place on Sept. 5 at 12:00 p.m. in San Marcos.
“It was our first game, so we have a lot to look forward to and goals to work toward,” senior set player Finn Pardon said. “This game helps us progress and shows us where we stand now.”
The Mustangs quickly fell behind in the first quarter when San Marcos scored two goals. Senior attacker Nate Griffith scored to put the Mustangs on the board,and the game was tied shortly after by senior attacker Jake Tolt. The first quarter finished 4-2 after San Marcos scored two more goals.
“Overall this team has a lot of talent and chemistry, and I believe as the season goes on we will be a very threatening team in our division,” Tolt said.
The second quarter started with San Marcos scoring. Costa retaliated with junior attacker Christian Thornton who scored two goals and Tolt who scored one of his own. The score heading into halftime was 6-5, with San Marcos in the lead.
“Our team is young,” Thornton said “As the year progresses we will continue to get much better and learn more about how our team plays together.”
Shortly after the start of the half, Pardon hammered one goal in, tying the game at 6-6. San Marcos scored two more goals after. The quarter ended, 8-¬6, with San Marcos still in the lead.
“San Marcos was playing a tough game against us, and it showed our ability to hang with teams of high caliber,” junior attacker Mark Warneke said.
The fourth quarter started with San Marcos extending their lead after a goal that deflected off of a Costa player. Tolt quickly responded and put one away off the crossbar. San Marcos then fouled and Tolt stepped up and scored again, putting the Mustangs, 9-8. San Marcos managed to score two more goals in Costa’s last effort to win, concluding the game 11¬-8.
“When we connect and work as a team, I don’t think any team, no matter how good they are, will have an advantage over us,” junior set guard Garrett Weatherly said.
The Mustang’s record is 0-¬1, and Mira Costa will play against Palos Verdes High School at Palos Verdes on Sept 22, at 3:00 p.m.
“It was a good, competitive first game that exposed some of our weaknesses and showed what we need to do better next time,” coach Jon Reichardt said. “Conditioning, more practice, and playing together will help us be successful this season.”
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