Sea Kings win going away

Joseph Boo

CORONA DEL MAR - With the Pacific Coast League championship wrapped

up, Corona del Mar High’s boys water polo team had one objective in its

game against Costa Mesa.

“We wanted everybody to play today,” CdM Coach John Vargas said.

The Sea Kings (14-9, 4-0 in league) achieved that in a 12-4 win over the

Mustangs that wrapped up an undefeated league season for CdM while

denying Costa Mesa a .500 record.

CdM’s first team dominated early and built up a huge lead before coasting

to the easy victory.

“We just have to set realistic goals,” Costa Mesa Coach Eric Berg said.

“CdM is a good team. They’re really deep.”

CdM displayed that early with five goals in the first quarter. Ryan

Jetton scored the first goal, and Garrett Gentry scored two of his three

goals in the quarter.

The Sea Kings originally planned to limit Costa Mesa (10-12, 1-3) star Mike Vaillancourt. Instead, the Sea Kings took the entire Mustangs’

offense out with a swarming defense.

CdM extended the lead to 8-0 in the second quarter, with Morgen Johnston

scoring two of his three goals in that quarter.

Alex Sarris finally scored for the Mustangs in the middle of the second

quarter to break the CdM run. Vaillancourt followed with another goal for

Costa Mesa.

CdM had six open shots hit the post in the game, including three in

succession in the second quarter.

After extending the lead to 10-2, CdM emptied its bench in the second

half, including two freshmen and both backup goalies. The Sea Kings’

starters did see spot duty in the second half.

“Our whole team played today, and I’m happy with that,” Vargas said.

“You have to give Costa Mesa credit though. They played hard to the end.”

Indeed, the Mustangs cut down on turnovers and the defense tightened up

in the second half. After CdM added two more goals, Mike Whitmore and

Sarris added two more goals for the Mustangs.

“This game is a reason to see which kid steps up,” Berg said. “For

example, Jason Cabico played the game of his life today.”

While Costa Mesa’s season is over, CdM, ranked No. 2 in CIF Southern

Section Division II, moves on to the playoffs next week. Playoff pairings

will be announced Monday.

PACIFIC COAST LEAGUE

Corona del Mar 12, Costa Mesa 4 Costa Mesa 0 2 0 2 - 4

Corona del Mar 5 3 3 1 - 12

Costa Mesa: Sarris 2, Vaillancourt 1, Whitmore 1. Saves: Dolloff 5.

Corona del Mar: Gentry 3, Johnston 3, Jetton 2, Flynn 1, Jackson 1, Petry

1, Street 1. Saves: Netherton 6, Kim 4, Stockstill 3.