Girls water polo: Mesa puts up a battle against Long Beach Wilson

CORONA DEL MAR - After falling behind, 6-0, to Long Beach Wilson

High, Costa Mesa’s girls water polo team fought back before losing, 6-3,

in the opening game of the Irvine Southern California Championships at

Corona del Mar on Thursday.

The Bruins, 16-5 and ranked No. 2 in CIF Southern Section Division I, had

a six-goal lead at halftime, as their star player, Cassie Azevedo scored

three times.

The Mustangs (6-14) came back in the second half and scored when Shayna

Kline got a six-on-five goal. The Mustangs then had the momentum for the

entire half. Erin Bayes and Dana Steenhard scored in the fourth quarter

for Mesa before time ran out.

Goalie Casey Petersen made six saves for the Mustangs. Costa Mesa

continues in the tournament and faces Edison today at 3 p.m. at CdM.

IRVINE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CHAMPIONSHIPS

First round

Long Beach Wilson 6, Costa Mesa 3

Score by quarters

Costa Mesa 0 0 1 2 - 3

Long Beach Wilson 3 3 0 0 - 6

Costa Mesa - Bayes 1, Kline 1, Steenhard 1. Saves - Petersen 6.

Long Beach Wilson - Azevedo 3, Jackson 2, Hogan 1. Saves - na.