SPORTS ROUNDUP: Spartans hold on to top spot in CIF Division III

BOYS’ WATER POLO


La Cañada 11, Mira Costa 10: The Spartans held a four point, 10-6, lead with six minutes to go and it proved to just be enough to hold off the Mustangs in a CIF Southern Section Division III showdown with plenty of playoff implications Saturday night at Pasadena City College.
“They made a good run and pulled it to within 11-10 with two minutes left and we were able to hold on and win the game,” La Cañada Coach Devon Borisoff said. “It was gnarly, intense for sure, definitely a playoff atmosphere.”
Devon Boriosff credited the comeback to strong play from Mira Costa, which is ranked No. 6 in Division III, and a few costly turnovers late as La Cañada tried to drain the clock.
While Symeon Stefan led La Cañada in goals, as he usually does, with three, it was truly a balanced effort for the Spartans. They received two clutch fourth-quarter goals from Johnny Louk; two scores, five drawn ejections and three assists from Chase Borisoff, two goals and several drawn ejections from Bryce Hopkins and another great night of stifling defense from Peter Loakes.
Alden Geller and Justin Moh also notched a goal apiece for the Spartans (10-6).
Not only does the victory keep La Cañada atop the Division III polls for next week, but it puts the Spartans in a good position to hold on for the top seed when playoffs start. The Spartans have two more nonleague games with Servite and Villa Park and another tournament that doesn’t include Division III competition.
“As long as we don’t lose a league game – South Pas will be tough – as long as we beat South Pas twice we will be No. 1 going into the playoffs,” Devon Borisoff said. “That’s huge for us, we’re working the entire season toward that goal. All you can do is give yourself the best shot when the playoffs start and whoever can put four games together and win four in a row wins the whole thing. We’ve done our job this season, we’ve put ourselves in a good position to make a run at it this season.”
The Spartans travel to South Pasadena Oct. 16 for a 3:30 p.m. match and host the Tigers Nov. 1 at 3:30 p.m.