Santa Margarita’s first attempt at blending its returning water polo talent with some intriguing newcomers started a bit slowly Wednesday but eventually produced a winning formula.
Sam Slobodien scored six goals and goalie Ryan Melosini made 12 saves as the No. 10 Eagles recovered from an early two-goal deficit to beat South Coast League newcomer Tesoro, 15-7, in the season-opening match for both teams at Santa Margarita.
Slobodien and Melosini are returning senior starters but the Eagles also received strong performances from first-year starter Austin Clark, who had four goals and four steals, and freshman Chasen Petersen, who added two goals and three assists.
Tesoro scored the first two goals and led, 3-2, midway through the second period. The Titans’ used a press defense and first-period power-play strikes by Brady Hoskins and Britain Hope to create problems for the Eagles.
Santa Margarita found its spark on defense. The Eagles increased their intensity on defense, fueling a counterattack that helped deliver a 7-0 run in the second half.
Fourth-period counterattack strikes by Petersen, Spencer Lupin and Brandon Aguirre came off steals from Clark and Slobodien and a save by Melosini.
“With our youth, a lot of our confidence is going to come from making defensive plays and transitioning into offense,” Santa Margarita coach Paden Mitchell said.
“That’s kind of what I expect throughout the year. I think our defense will continue to improve, and hold us down, especially with Melosini in the goal.”
Slobodien displayed a new level of shooting compared to last season. He scored three times on the power-play with hard and accurate shots. “I worked on my legs a lot in the offseason,” he said. “We swam a lot and I think that actually helped me because it gets me opportunities to take open shots.”
Tesoro’s Quinn Gates scored on a counterattack early in the third to cut the Eagles’ lead to 7-6 but Santa Margarita answered with a seven-goal surge.
“I thought that was a nice call to arms,” Tesoro coach Mike Gibson said of drawing within one goal of the Eagles in the third. “I know we weren’t really on the radar for Division 2. … I’m pleased.”
While Tesoro is moving to the South Coast League, Santa Margarita returns to the Trinity League.
“The potential is all there,” Mitchell said of his team. “I think this is a team that could surprise some people late in the season, kind of like we have the last couple of years.”
Santa Margarita’s stretch drive also could include David Peculic, a Croatian transfer who is out with a wrist injury, Mitchell said.
