And then there was one.
Behind the inspiring play of junior Sasha Savitsky, the Malibu girls soccer team advanced to the second round of the CIF Division IV playoffs after defeating Marlborough, 5-3, last week.
With the victory, the Lady Sharks were scheduled to play at No. 1 Serrano on Tuesday. The victor would play the winner of the Mayfair-Riverside Poly matchup on Thursday in the CIF quarterfinals.
Unfortunately, Malibu High’s other playoff teams did not fare well, as the boys and girls basketball team, and girls water polo were eliminated last week during the first round of playoffs.
Girls soccer
Leading 3-1 at halftime, the Lady Sharks rallied without Savitsky, who left the game prematurely with an eye injury during the first half. Goals by Ella McKinna-Worrell, Renie Walzcuk and Mia Green staked MHS to the two-goal advantage.
The Mustangs then scored on two corner kicks, gaining momentum with 16 minutes to play.
After consulting with Malibu athletic trainer Marie Zweig and her father (who is a doctor), Savitsky was cleared to re-enter the game. She made a triumphant and dramatic return to the field, scoring two goals: one with a header and the second beating the goalkeeper on a great pass from Walzcuk.
Malibu (10-9-2) hung on for the thrilling 5-3 win to survive for another day.
“Our defense and goalkeeping have been stellar all year, keeping us in every match, so it was great to see our offense come to life from start to finish,” Malibu coach Jack Craig said.
The Lady Sharks have won seven consecutive games. With top-seeded Serrano (22-1) on the horizon, performances like these provide plenty of confidence and optimism for a possible upset.
“My players have endured and battled injuries, small numbers and a brutal nonleague schedule but they never quit on each other or our goals,” Craig said. “Instead it brought them closer together believing, trusting in each other so this hard-fought victory is just reward for their perseverance. They are truly a special group of athletes that display character and sportsmanship regardless of the circumstances. I am so proud of them.”
Boys basketball
Before its biggest crowd of the season, the Malibu boys basketball team fought valiantly only to fall short to El Segundo, 58-51, in the first round of the CIF Division IVA playoffs.
“We were a good team but tonight we got beat by a better team,” Coach Richard Harris said. “This crowd was electric. I was so excited.”
Looking for their first playoff win since 2008, the Sharks gave the Malibu faithful a spirited effort taking a 32-27 lead into halftime. Junior Cordell Newton scored 14 of his team-high 18 points in the second quarter as MHS outscored the Eagles, 22-10, in the period.
Malibu (13-13) led 40-39 entering the fourth quarter but could only muster two field goals in the final period as El Segundo took advantage of its height to score easy buckets down low. The Eagles scored their last 13 points of the game via the foul line.
After beginning the season 2-11, the Sharks won league going 11-1. It was a season to savor for the first-year coach.
“I never expected to have the support that I have gotten. We competed this whole season and this was one of the better teams that I have coached,” Harris said. “Our kids worked so hard since day one. These guys believed and played above their skill set. They had confidence. I thought we had an amazing season.”
Jordan Newt ended his strong senior season scoring 14 points for Malibu.
Girls basketball
Malibu (15-12) lost to Desert, 49-20, in the first round of the Division 5AA playoffs. The Lady Sharks had an excellent season, winning 15 games after the previous two seasons netted nine wins combined. Eight lettermen return next year including all five starters.
Girls water polo
Hacienda Heights Wilson defeated Malibu, 11-7, in a Division VII first round match. Gaia Hinds scored four goals to go along with six steals for the Sharks who finished 10-12.
“Our seniors had a great finish to their water polo careers,” Coach Hayden Goldberg said. “I was very proud of how the girls played this season. We learned a lot about team and family. We are a tight group and I see nothing but success in the future. These girls love the game, are easy to coach and want to get better.”
