Seeking its first CIF Southern Section title in school history, the Malibu High School boys water polo team has advanced to the semifinals of the Division VI playoffs. The Sharks defeated Xavier Prep, 11-3, and Santa Ynez, 15-8, in the first two rounds en route to their semifinal appearance.
“It was a great team effort against Santa Ynez with six different players scoring,” Malibu Coach Michael Mulligan said. “The team defense has been great and giving us many opportunities in our transition game.”
Owen Franz scored six goals, Henry Buckley had four assists and Emmet Pierson added five steals against Santa Ynez. Pierson and Jordan Clarke each had three goals apiece in the win versus Xavier Prep. Goalie Jack Thompson has recorded 15 saves for the two games.
As of press time, No. 1 Malibu was slated to play No. 4 seed La Quinta Wednesday to determine who will play for the CIF championship Saturday morning at 10:30 a.m. at Heritage Park in Irvine. The other semifinal featured No. 2 Oaks Christian playing No. 3 Temescal Canyon.
The Sharks were CIF runner-up in 2008 and 2010. Having captured 15 league titles thus far in its illustrious 20-year history, Malibu is searching for that elusive first CIF title.