Mira Costa Splashers Overcome Inspired Magnolia, 14-7

A capacity crowd at Mira Costa watched the home team advance to the second round of the CIF 2-A water polo playoffs Thursday by beating an inspired Magnolia, 14-7. Mira Costa plays the winner of the Don Lugo-Walnut game Saturday.

Coach Mike Nollan said the Mustangs must improve their effort as they advance in the playoffs. “I was upset with the (lack of) intensity of our team,” Nollan said. “Magnolia certainly out-hustled us.” Mira Costa, 20-8 in the regular season, led 6-2 at half time, but Nollan said his team “looked as if they were moving at three-quarters speed.”

Magnolia scored the first goal on a botched outlet pass near the Mira Costa goal, which Nollan said was typical of his team’s play the entire game.

“We were inconsistent today,” said Simon Kim, who led the Mustangs with five goals. “Maybe because we haven’t played for a while.” Mira Costa’s last game was Nov. 3 when it beat Culver City. It was off Tuesday while wild-card games were played.

At half time, Nollan said he scolded his players for sloppy play. The Mustangs responded by scoring three quick goals to start the third quarter, ending that period with a 10-3 lead. Mira Costa’s two goaltenders, Adam Griffin and Mark Hocking, combined for 11 saves, including a Hocking save of a penalty throw in the fourth quarter.