Mira Costa Sinks to New Low in Loss to Santa Barbara

The Mira Costa High water polo team could have used a home-court advantage Wednesday against Santa Barbara.

That and maybe a little more in a 10-1 loss to the third-seeded Dons in a Southern Section Division III quarterfinal match at Santa Monica High.

The Mira Costa home match had been scheduled to be played at El Camino College.

The match, however, was moved to Santa Monica after Santa Barbara Coach Dan Drown would not consent to play at El Camino because the pool depth did not meet Southern Section playoff specifications.

The shallow end of the El Camino pool is 6 feet 2 inches. Rules require a minimum depth of 6-6 unless both schools agree to play in a nonconforming facility.

“It was a farther drive for us to play at El Camino,” Drown said. “The pool there is too narrow. Playing at Santa Monica is closer and suits us fine.”

Mira Costa (22-7) played its first-round match against Valencia at El Camino on Nov. 11 without objection. But the move to Santa Monica cost Coach Mike Nollan a little more than added stress scurrying to find a site on Monday.

El Camino had allowed Mira Costa use of its facilities at no charge, but Santa Monica charged a $125 fee for security and the Mustangs had to pay $150 for bus rental.

“It was only four inches of water and I don’t see what difference that makes,” Nollan said. “(Drown) had the right not to play at El Camino and I respect his decision. But if we played we wouldn’t have had to take a bus because it is so close. I didn’t see any security people here. I don’t know what we paid for. Paying those expenses is what really ticks me off.”

Despite 10 saves by Mira Costa goalkeeper Ken Kriwanek, Santa Barbara (22-8) opened a 9-0fourth-quarter lead before Mira Costa driver Sean Nollan scored on a backhand toss with 1 minute 10 seconds remaining.

“I can’t really say we played badly,” Sean Nollan said. “We probably played as well today as we have all year. Everybody played together. They were just very good.”

Brad Kittredge scored five goals and Pablo Nichols had two for the three-time Channel League Dons, who have scored 49 goals in three playoff matches.

Santa Barbara led, 4-0, at halftime and increased its lead to 6-0 on two goals in the opening three minutes of the second half by Kittredge.