Miraleste Water Polo Team Loses in 2-A Semifinal

Miraleste High failed to overcome a poor offensive performance in the first half and was eliminated Saturday by La Serna, 10-8, in the semifinal round of the Southern Section 2-A water polo playoffs at Whittier College.

Miraleste ended the season at 22-6. La Serna (19-3) will face the winner of the South Pasadena-Whittier match Tuesday for the 2-A championship.

Miraleste fell behind in the first two quarters, 8-3, as the Marauders missed several scoring opportunities.

“We were not mentally ready to play,” Miraleste Coach Chick McIlroy said. “You can’t give a team a lead like that and expect to win.”

Miraleste came back in the second half, outscoring La Serna 5-2, but the rally wasn’t enough.

Miraleste’s Kyle Hildebrand scored from the two-meter spot with 3:52 left, but La Serna never let the Marauders close the gap.

Brad Youngren led Miraleste with three goals, and goalie David Reed had five blocks, four in the second half.

“I’m happy with the season. Our goal was to make the final four,” McIlroy said. “We’ll be in good shape next year.”

Miraleste started an entire junior lineup, with the exception of senior captain Duane Lauchengco.