Mustangs' Perfect Record Intact With Comeback Win Over Loyola

The Mira Costa boys’ volleyball team made a statement Friday night, showing that despite their early season dominance, they can rally with the best of teams.

The Mustangs traveled to Gersten Pavilion on the Loyola Marymount campus to square off with rival Loyola in a heavyweight bout with the very team that knocked them off in the CIF championship last year.

After splitting the first two games with Loyola winning 25-23 and Mira Costa responding with a 25-18, the teams played a tight back-and-forth third game.

Chris Orenic knocked down a pair of thunderous kills as the Mustangs went on a 9-3 spurt, gaining some separation as they moved the score to 19-14.

Loyola would rally however with the Cubs climbing all the way back as Nick Porterfield and Alex Slaught provided a spark on their way to an important 25-23 win in game three.

“After the third game our focus wasn’t what we needed and we weren’t passing well,” said D.J. White.

The Mustangs, who struggled mightily with their service, turned to senior Nick Ensbury, who provided some stability for Mira Costa (12-0).

“Nick played some key points beautifully," said coach Mike Ninnis. "He really saved our bacon and came up with some great defensive plays too.”

The Mustangs came out in game four a little sluggish, but were able to get their swagger back. Keith Waddell’s block at 13-9 got the Mustang faithful excited.

White went to town, hammering a kill down the right side for a 19-15 lead.

“We weren’t serving tough, we were tentative and I’m not sure if it was because it was Loyola or if it was the arena or what,” Ninnis said.

Setter Kameron Bain went into the stands to keep the winning point alive for the Mustangs whose 25-21 win forced a fifth game.

Bain, who would lead the Mustangs offense all night, had a sensational 51 assists in the match.

In the decisive fifth game, the Mustangs jumped out to a 4-2 lead as Jake Miller furiously celebrated a block and helped Mira Costa in the momentum department.

Waddell would come up with two impressive plays at the net, picking up back-to-back kills from his middle blocker spot and pushing the score to 13-9.

“I don’t think about anything out there," said Waddell. "I just go out there and play volleyball, just keep my focus and block out everything else.”

Loyola (11-2) would pull to within two at 14-12, but White would pick up the match-clinching point on a spike for the 15-12 game win and 3-2 set victory.

“Game five was some of the best volleyball we’ve played all season," said White. "We just need to keep stepping up in big matches like we have been.”

Friday night’s five game match was the first of the season for Mira Costa and provided the 2,000 plus fans in attendance with a treat.

“This was big for this team having not had to do this before and responding the way they did was great,” Ninnis said.

The Mustangs will use their spring break [April 2-10] to further season themselves with a trip to Hawaii to play against top teams from the island.

White led the Mustangs with 20 kills, followed by 13 from Orenic and 10 from Karl Acres.

Waddell led the way with 6 big blocks and Tony Ensbury had 10 digs.

“This is a huge win," said Waddell. "We have beaten the top two teams in our conference and we just want to keep this up going into Bay League.”