Brian Kaiserman
Staff Writer
Mira Costa’s boys beach volleyball team hit the sand on Oct. 8 for the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) finals at Ocean Park Beach in Santa Monica.
The Mustangs sparred with Arroyo Grande, Redondo and Santa Monica. They defeated Arroyo Grande, 3-0, in the first round, Redondo, 2-1, in the second and narrowly clinched a 2-1 victory against Santa Monica.
Mira Costa Boys Beach Volleyball Website:
“This [the first match] was very difficult because we hadn’t played Arroyo before,” sophomore Thomas Kretschmer said. “However, we were able to stick to our game plan and find success in it.”
Next round, the Mustangs faced rival Redondo. Following a loss from Kretschmer and junior Max Cajuste, the Mustangs tied the score at one match a piece. Costa’s top pairing of juniors Dane Johnson and Bobby Barkley contributed a 21-8 and 21-5 win.
“The team was really able to come together and play as a unit and play through adversity,” Barkley said.
Seniors Cameron Steen and Kevin Pinkerton earned a quick two game victory, followed by a loss from Cajuste and Kretschmer. It was then up to Barkley and Johnson to take down Santa Monica for the title.
“There was a lot of pressure leading up to our match because our results decided whether or not we won CIF,” Barkley said.
Interscholastic Beach Volleyball League:
After losing, 21-19, in the first set, the Mustangs rallied, winning 21-17 in the second game against Santa Monica. Barkley and Johnson kept their momentum and defeated the Vikings, 15-11, earning Costa the CIF championship.
“It feels amazing to be CIF champions,” Johnson said. “It was awesome the way it all played out, and it felt great to get revenge against Santa Monica.”
The Mustangs ended the season 12-2 overall, with losses only to Notre Dame and Santa Monica earlier in the season. Coach Kyle Denitz said it was overall an incredible season.
“The boys took the challenge upon themselves and were able to achieve our ultimate goal, which is phenomenal” Denitz said.
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