Boys lacrosse falls to Peninsula in double OT, 13-12

On Wednesday, April 15, two lacrosse teams at the top of their game took the stage at Mira Costa High School’s Bill Cooper Field. Both elite forces in Bay League, the Mira Costa Mustangs and the Palos Verdes Peninsula Panthers clashed in a seesaw battle. The thriller went to double overtime, with Peninsula scoring the sudden death goal to win the game 13-12.

The Mustangs and Panthers were in midseason form, and onlookers got a preview of a potential playoff matchup. The Mustangs leapt out to a 4-0 advantage, with goals from seniors Nick Coons and Sam Dunbar, junior Zane Crandall, and sophomore Ryan Gustafson. Peninsula was only able to scavenge one goal in a through their poor first quarter performance, and the Mustangs ended quarter one with a 4-1 lead.

However, Peninsula characteristically fought back, cutting through Costa’s tight defense and tying the game with a flurry of quick ball movements and outside rips. From then on, neither defense or offense could find an advantage.

Despite being led by junior Lafayette commit Zane Crandall’s four goals, Costa found themselves down a goal with thirty seconds left. Sophomore Casey Bonner then streaked down the left side and buried one in the back of the net, tying the game at 12-12 to end regulation. After a scoreless first overtime, the Panthers scored in the second overtime, defeating the Mustangs on their home turf, 13-12.

Crandall’s four goals were backed with two each by senior captain Dunbar and sophomore Gustafson. Mira Costa picked up their second loss in a row, falling to 7-2 on the season. They will take on rival Redondo on Friday, April 17.