By: Brooke Smith
Online Editor
Mira Costa boys water polo defeated the number three ranked, Woodbridge High School Warriors, 8-7 at home on Saturday, November 9. The top performer of the game was a junior, Jake Carter with a total of four goals.
The Mustangs played a close game throughout the afternoon, never having more than a two point differential for either of the teams. The boys played competitively to secure the win, but the Warriors were not far behind with up-to-par offense.
“While our tactical preparation for that game helped us to win, what won us that game was that we all played under one fluid mindset,” Senior, captain, Ryan Rossow said.
In the first quarter, the Mustangs fell short on their offense never scoring a goal. The Warriors did manage to find the back of Costa’s net. This kept most of the quarter at a defensive battle between both teams. The quarter ended with the Warriors in the lead, 1-0.
“We struggled offensively at the beginning of the game, but our defense kept us in the game,” Senior, captain, Ryder Theodore said.
In the second quarter, junior, Collin Tournat answered the goal from the first quarter early on, tying the score board. Tournat found the back of the net again with the second goal of the afternoon. Although, the Warriors countered it with another goal. The Warriors kept their offense up with a couple more goals. Even though Carter scored for the Mustangs they were still down, 3-4.
“We finally got some goals on the board which helped because we needed it, but they were still on us which we could have done a better job with,” Carter said.
Starting off the third quarter, Carter tied the game with another goal. Costa kept their heads above water with a one point lead after senior, Abi Anorve’s goal. The Warriors slacked on their offense this quarter having the Mustangs go into the fourth quarter with the advantage, 5-4.
“We once again scored some more which ended up being a big factor since we were neck and neck up until the end, only winning by one goal,” Carter said.
In the fourth quarter, the Warriors took the lead with their offense, scoring two goals. Although, junior, Kai Scarlett responded with a shot, tying the game up, 6-6. Carter was fired up on offense with two more goals to end the game off strong. This lead held the game to the very end with a score, 8-7.
“It took all season but we came together as a team; a family,” Rossow said. “Each one of us had each other’s back in this game and that’s what lead to our win.”
This win for the Mira Costa Mustangs gives them the opportunity to move on to the semi-finals for CIF. The semi-final game will be held at the Woollett Aquatics Center in Irvine on Wednesday, November 13.The Mustangs will be up against the number two ranked San Clemente High School, The Tritons.
“If we stick to the game plan and play team ball we can beat any team that comes up against us,” Arnove said. “I feel pretty confident in my teammates abilities and we will have to wait and see till Wednesday.”
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