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Sports

Mariners Defeat Clairemont in CIF Div III Water Polo Playoff Opener

Mar Vista Scored its First Opening CIF Playoff Round Victory Since 1999.

  

The Mar Vista High School water polo team defeated Clairemont High School Wednesday night, 11-6, in the first round of CIF Division III playoffs at Granite Hills High School in El Cajon.

“I couldn't be happier,” said Mar Vista head coach Chad Kavanagh. “This is the first time since 1999 the Mariners have made it out of the first CIF playoff round.” 

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During the regular season Mar Vista had an overall record of 24 wins and 5 losses, going undefeated in league play.

Against Clairemont, Mar Vista demonstrated its depth, with multiple players scoring more than one goal each.

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 “While some of our guys didn't have their best game last night, they still played well,” said Assistant Coach Daren Johnson. "It has been like that all season long with different players stepping it up when the team faced adverse situations, both on offense and defense.” 

With four goals, senior Duncan Hastings was the standout Mariner against Clairemont. One observer commented that Hastings had, “His best game all season.”

Other Mariner standouts included Loukas Lopez, Shane Landry, and Josh Johnson who each scored two goals. Gabe Caswell scored a goal in the second quarter. 

Goalie Faux Mahan blocked numerous Clairemont shots while his brother Zach played aggressive defense.

The Mariners were buoyed by an enthusiastic large throng of family members, fellow students, and Imperial Beach residents who came out to cheer them on.

Mar Vista now advances to the quarter final round on Saturday, November 16 at La Jolla High School’s Coggan Pool (12:15 pm) where they will face #2 seeded Bishop’s, one of San Diego County’s perennial CIF Division III champions.

For seniors Kade Stabenow, Duncan Hastings, and Zach Mahan, Saturday’s game could be their last as high school students.

While Bishop’s will be a tough opponent for the Mariners, the success of this season bodes well for next year, with the majority of the varsity squad returning. 

“This season was no accident,” said Johnson. “They worked really hard during the season and in the off-season to accomplish their goals and truly played as a team. This was their championship.” 



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