Boys’ Water Polo: Mustangs rule in pool
Heading into the boys’ water polo match against crosstown rival Estancia High on Wednesday, Costa Mesa Coach Dustin Serrano said his Mustangs were still reeling a bit after a tough two-goal loss to Northwood a day earlier.
The Mustangs seemed to put that defeat behind them pretty quickly.
Costa Mesa started out fast and scored goals in bunches in a 17-7 victory over the Eagles in the Orange Coast League opener for both teams at Estancia. The Mustangs also claimed the Battle for the Bell.
Jacob Peterson scored six goals and Caedmon Fisher added four goals and five assists to lead the Mustangs (8-7, 1-0 in league).
“The rivalry brings up a lot of nerves for the kids,” Serrano said. “They play with a lot of the kids throughout club. It kind of turns into a pride thing.”
The Mustangs, who are ranked No. 9 in CIF Southern Section Division 3, took a quick 3-0 lead on a pair of goals from Peterson and a goal from Fisher.
Chris Bauer scored to get the Eagles (4-3, 0-1) on the board before Costa Mesa’s Tony Shin scored the first of his three goals to give the Mustangs a 4-1 lead after the first period.
In the second quarter, goals from Nicky Ly, Fisher, Peterson and Shin put the Mustangs ahead 8-1.
Estancia’s Alex Epperson then scored a pair of goals in the final minute of the second quarter to make the score 8-3 at the half.
“We have to go hard and then calm down a little bit and when we calm down that is when it costs us,” Estancia Coach Mitch White said. “We have a tendency to give up two, three goals at a time and then we pick it up again.”
In the third quarter, Costa Mesa’s onslaught continued with goals from Teak Zachary and Peterson in the opening minute giving the Mustangs a 10-3 lead.
With the Mustangs leading 17-6, Victor Costello’s goal off a pass from Tegan Proctor gave the Eagles their final goal of the contest.
Costa Mesa was also stifling on defense, making 17 steals and forcing at least two shot-clock violations.
Goalies Tristan Trepas and Kevin Johnson combined for 12 saves for Costa Mesa and Ezik Leyva finished with 13 saves for the Eagles.
“I think once we get more of year-round program, we’ll be doing just as well as Mesa,” White said. “I’m proud of my guys. They did well.”
The Mustangs’ next league opponent is water polo powerhouse Laguna Beach, ranked No.1 in Division 2.
Breakers coaches were in attendance Wednesday, likely scouting the Mustangs.
The Breakers and Mustangs play on Oct. 5 at Costa Mesa High.
“You know they are going to bring their best game,” Serrano said. “They have great athletes.”