STORY BY MATT SIMON
For the first half of its Division 4 contest against Carpinteria, coach Danely Smith felt that the Millikan water polo team wasn’t playing to its full potential.
Heading into halftime, the Rams held onto a 4-3 lead and were in need of a spark to give the team some momentum.
“I think in the first half they were playing a little nervous,” Smith said. “I think once the boys recognized what they were up against, they were ready to step up and make something happen.
Millikan stepped up in a big way as the Rams went on a 7-0 run in the third quarter on their way to an 11-4 win Tuesday afternoon. With the win, Millikan also won a first round playoff game for the first time since 2009.
Max Miller scored two of his three goals in the third quarter as the Rams pulled away from the Warriors. Along with Miller, Maceo Glenn and Alex Carroll scored two goals apiece.
“This was such a great feeling,” Miller said. “This is such a great opportunity and I can’t wait to go to the second round and hopefully win.”
After winning their coin flip, the Rams will host Yorba Linda on Thursday.
“This our first time here,” Smith said. “So, the idea is not to get too excited about one win and rest on your laurels. You’re trying to advance as far as possible and hopefully all the way to the finals.”
