Mira Costa reaches girls water polo semifinals
Mira Costa goalkeeper Katie Nitzberg recorded seven saves in the Mustang’s quarterfinal win. Photo
Mira Costa’s girls water polo team continued its quest for a CIF Southern Section Division 3 championship Saturday, defeating visiting Santiago/Corona 7-3.
The fourth-seeded Mustangs (15-9) advance to take on top-seeded Arroyo Grande (26-5) in the semifinals to be held Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. at the William Woollett Jr. Aquatics Center in Irvine. Mira Costa loooks to avenge an 8-5 loss to Arroyo Grande on Dec. 12.
“We had some girls out during that game,” Mustang captain Kelly Giery said. “Our team has progressed so much since then. We’ll be ready.”
Tina Frechette recorded a team-high three goals against Santiago and the Mustang defense double teamed the Shark’s high-scoring Hannah Derose, limiting the 2-meter star to three goals. Derose finished the season with 126 goals scored in 30 games.
Mira Costa goalkeeper Katie Nitzberg recorded seven saves for the win.
“We had a good scouting report on Santiago and were well prepared to play them,” Giery said. “We’ve been working on our communication of defense and it showed. Defense wins games and taking a 5-2 lead in the first quarter makes it hard for any team to come back.”
Bay League champion and third-seeded Peninsula (19-7) had its hopes for a CIF title quashed by No. 6 Troy who beat the visiting Panthers 6-4.
Troy (24-7) will face second-seeded ML King (23-8) in the other semifinal contest. The finals will be held Saturday at the Woollett Aquatics Center.