Sean McDonald
Staff writer
The Mustangs fell to San Marcos High School in their first water polo game of the season. Since then, they have put together an impressive season, winning over twenty games. This Saturday, they were put to the test again against the Royals, this time coming out victorious.
The game ended 8-7 after double overtime, the winning goal coming from senior attacker Nate Griffith. The effort was there from everybody, and Costa was able to keep its composure as the game progressed into the later quarters.
“It wasn’t necessarily our best played game,” junior attacker Garrett Weatherly said. “What matters is that we were persistent and never stopped fighting.”
The game began with goals from senior set guard Finn Pardon and Weatherly. San Marcos scored shortly after bringing the score to 2-1. Throughout the entire game, neither team led by more than two goals.
“We both came out prepared,” junior attacker Mark Warneke said. The game remained so competitive the whole way through.”
San Marcos responded in the second quarter, as they scored two goals off of counter attack passing plays. Junior attacker Christian Thornton tied the score heading into half with a goal, making the score 3-3.
“The first half was very competitive, and we realized at half time that it was going to come down to who wanted it more,” Thornton said.
The second half began with a goal from senior attacker Jake Tolt. Costa stayed on top throughout the third quarter, with other goals from Pardon and Thornton. The Royals managed to get one goal in before the close of the third quarter, ending it 6-4.
“We were really focused,” Pardon said. “We just needed to make sure that we didn’t lose our concentration.”
San Marcos didn’t just give up, they were constantly on the attack which eventually resulted in two goals from resilient play by their attackers. The Mustangs were shut out on offense during the last quarter, sending the game into overtime, tied 6-6.
“We are a strong attacking team, and knew we we just needed one goal,” Tolt said. “After, we could load up on defense and wait until time expired.”
The first period of overtime resulted in no goals, the score remaining tied 6-6. However, Pardon scored for the Mustangs in the second period of overtime, only to be matched by a San Marcos goal. In the fading minutes of overtime, senior attacker Nate Griffith scored the final goal making it one of the most important and momentous goals of the season.
“That goal was incredible,” Weatherly said. “it really amped up the whole team and is a great way to move on into the next round of CIF.”
The Mustangs are now 24-6 overall and are moving on to the CIF semifinal where they will take on Dana Hills High School at the Woollett Aquatic Center on Wednesday. According to coach Jon Reichardt, the team will need to capitalize on its chances and make every move they’re capable of.
“We need to take advantage of every opportunity we get and be flexible when needed,” Reichardt said.
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