Boys lacrosse takes home second-place title in CIF championship

By Emma Rosenbaum
Sports Editor

One year ago, the Mira Costa Mustangs fell to the Foothill Knights in the Southern California Lacrosse CIF Championship.

On May 14 of this year, the Mustangs played the Knights in the Southern Section Lacrosse Championship at the Sea Hawk Bowl, and the Mustangs once again left with the second-place title following a 19-5 loss.

Costa coach Chris Jewitt, aware that the Knights had won four titles in a row prior to Saturday’s match, went into the game anticipating a hard-fought match.

“I think if our defense plays smart, then we can capture a win,” Jewitt said before the game.

Foothill started the game with five unanswered goals. Costa senior Tajee Mobley scored late in the first, making Costa’s first mark on the board. The goal came off of a ball slash by senior Cody Smith. Foothill senior Erik Adamson then scored his second goal of the game, closing the first period at 6-1.

To start the second period, senior Tom Farrell assisted junior Austin Hafdell on a goal that snapped the top corner of the net. The team was unable to score for the rest of the period, and Costa ended the first half behind, 13-2. Farrell scored his first goal of the game to start the second half. Foothill then responded with another goal. Soon after that, Smith stole the ball on defense and pushed down field, scoring an unassisted goal on the play and ending the period at 14-4.

“The offense was having difficulties,” Smith said. “You have to put the team on your back.”

The final period of the game started with a goal by Foothill’s senior Josh Peterman. Hafdell intercepted a Foothill pass to make Costa’s last goal. Foothill’s final score came on a shot that whipped past senior goalie John Mayfield, ending the game at 19-5.

“I saw the opening and ran in and shot,” Hafdell said. “I wanted to score so badly for my team.”

Although disappointed by the loss, Jewitt acknowledges that Costa was outmatched.

“We got beat by a much better team,” Jewitt said. “But we played until the end.”

The loss wraps up an otherwise triumphant season for Costa. Costa acheived a 17-4 record accompanied by the Bay League title. Jewitt hopes that these achievements do not get overshadowed.

“This has been a great exciting season,” Jewitt said. “The guys should be proud of themselves.”