The Morro Bay High School Girls’ Water Polo Team won a CIF Section Division and went on to place is State finals. Photo submitted
The Morro Bay High School Girls’ Water Polo Team made history this season.
The team, for the first-time in school history brought home the CIF Central Section Division 2 Championship. The Pirates, led by coaches Lukas Lastra and Ryan Davis, showcased their skill and determination with a commanding 16-10 victory over Garces Memorial High School, at Sierra Pacific High School in Hanford.
“Seeing this team finally accomplish something they have gotten so close to the last few years was amazing,” Lastra told Estero Bay News. “Coach Ryan Davis has gotten these girls to the CIF finals two times in the last three seasons. This group of seniors was his last group he worked with. I think they wanted to win it for him just as much as for themselves.”
Coach Lastra also said the team’s weight coach and personal trainer, Macy Rivas, did an “amazing job keeping these girls strong and injury free.”
The Pirates went on to compete at the California State Division 3 Championships, finally facing against #2 seed Aptos High School. The team ultimately fell short, 9-7, ending their run with state finalists ranking.
“We were a force to be reckoned with,” Lastra said of the last match. “Knocking off higher seeded teams each round.”
The Pirates went into the State tournament as the 5th seed. In the first round, they took down #4 seed Leigh High 9-8. In the semifinals they faced the #1 seed El Captain 11-8 landing them in the State finals.
The MBHS Water Polo Team ended the season as state finalist. Photo submitted
It was a very successful season, and Coach Lastra says that was in large part to the supportive nature of teammates and leadership of the older students.
“Besides all the hard work these girls put in year-round I think our success came from our team chemistry,” Lastra said. “We had some great leadership from our seniors and a very healthy locker room. When we went through our slump halfway through the year, we had very positive attitudes toward each other. I believe we have a winning culture building here at Morro Bay, and if our older girls can continue to be so supportive of our younger girls they will grow and be able to keep building on our success.”
As for next year, Lastra says the team is already in a good position to go even further. Four seniors will graduate, but he is confident remaining team members will step up to leadership roles.
Looking back, the lesson’s the team learned will follow them for much of their lives.
“I believe they learned not to doubt themselves,” Lastra said. “Every team thinks they will never be as good as the year before without their senior classmates. New Leaders always step up. The goal is to always move forward and get better. Teams will always have their ups and downs, but I have high hopes for the years to come.”
The 12u and 14u youth season starts December 10, practices are Tuesday and Thursday from 4 – 5:30 p.m. at Morro Bay high school.
“The thing I love most about sports, in general, is the ability have an immediate family/friend group,” Lastra said. “Our team does a great job of making everyone feel welcome and comfortable trying this very difficult sport.”
In the summer of 2023, the team went to Italy for a water polo camp, and this summer, July 2025, they will head to Greece. Folks who want to hold a fundraiser or who like to donate to their endeavors, should reach to the school.
Follow the team on Instagram @mbhs.polo for updates and highlights.
