By Casey Sublette
Staff Writer
Coming off of losses to Palos Verdes, Penninsula, and La Canada, the boys water polo team needed a win.
The Mustangs upset the second- ranked Damien Spartans, 10-8, on Oct. 8 at home.
“The game couldn’t have been better,” Coach Jon Reichart said. “It was the best game we have had played all season.”
Senior goalie Matt Grollman had two saves to start the first quarter. However, Damien struck first in the game with two quick goals. The Costa offense then kicked it into gear near the end of the period, ending the first period with four unanswered goals.
In the first minute of the second period, junior Jimmy Bissel kept up the offense by scoring another goal. Damien then answered with three quick goals. Another goal by the Mustangs gave them the lead as the halftime buzzer sounded with a score of 6-5.
“We started off slow,” Grollman said. “We eventually improved throughout the game.”
The third quarter was closely contested, but the Mustangs were able to keep their lead thanks to tough defense by Grollman and senior Justin Pratt.
“I feel I played well, but I tried to focus on defense,” Pratt said.
Damien nearly took the lead with four minutes left in the fourth quarter, but junior Mitchell Trainoff stole the ball and scored the eventual game-winning goal. Senior Matt Thornton then added an insurance goal to bring the final score to 10-8.
“We needed that win,” Grollman said. “We are ready for league play.”
Thornton led the way in scoring for Costa with five goals.
“We are playing like a team,” Colbert said. “I haven’t felt that amazing in a long time.”
Costa faced Peninsula on Oct. 13 in its second Bay League match, but results were unavailable at time of publication.
“After this win we are definitely excited to face Peninsula again,” senior captain Josh Huttinger said.
Leave a Reply