With the school year winding down, numerous Mission Bay High athletes will be going after CIF gold recently or hope to in the next week.
On the baseball diamond, head coach Chad Starkey’s Buccaneers finish up the regular season at home on Friday, May 20 vs. Foothills Christian (3:30 p.m.) on Senior Day.
According to Starkey, the Bucs were looking to win out this week and lock-up a last-minute playoff spot.
In recent action, Mission Bay got its first win over rival La Jolla in three years with a 6-5 victory.
“Looking back on my second year here at Mission Bay, I am pleased to see the growth and support within the program,” Starkey commented.
“The core group of players is young but hungry to make their mark among the many other great Mission Bay teams. Keep your eye out for us to make some noise back in the baseball world.” Softball On the softball diamond, the Bucs under head coach Vince Ichihara were to meet Orange Glen this past Tuesday, May 17 in a CIF playoff game (after press time).
Mission Bay made the playoffs with quality wins over Francis Parker, Montgomery, Southwest San Diego and second-ranked Calvin Christian in Division IV. 
According to Ichihara, key contributors this spring include sophomore pitcher Maya Cota, who has thrown just about every pitch on the mound this season for the team. Ichihara noted that Cota has been a quiet leader playing through injury and fatigue.
Sophomore catcher Serena Castro has caught every game and every pitch this season, leading the squad in most offensive stats. 
Senior first baseman Savannah Tarbell is a leader on and off the field, according to Ichihara. He noted that Tarbell is a great defender, while at 5 foot 10 inches tall; she gives the infield a big target not to mention a good stick at the plate.
Sophomore third baseman Paige Parkhill is another quiet leader, who also has a good bat and good speed at the leadoff position to get the team going.
Sophomore outfielder Hailey Matthews works really hard and has made plenty of defensive plays in the outfield that most players will not make, according to her head coach. 
Senior shortstop Hannah Bloom has been a staple for Mission Bay softball the last few years, controlling the defense.
Freshman outfielder/second baseman Keonna Valverde-Flores quickly has become one of the team’s best offensive players while also playing great defense.
Senior centerfielder Rebecca Mckown controls the outfield and is known for making the spectacular catch to rob many hits from opponents. 
Sophomore outfielder Alex Rosales has been in and out of the lineup due to injury but is now healthy, providing both great defense and a consistent bat.
Lastly, senior Thalia Mendez has a really big bat off the bench, providing the team with plenty of clutch hits. Girls lacrosse
In girls lacrosse action, the Bucs under head coach Grant Kroeger posted a regular season record of 11-6, finishing second in the Valley Center Tournament.
Mission Bay made its first CIF appearance this season (beat Mar Vista in Division II), making it past the first round.
According to Kroeger, key players this season included three-time MVP and junior co-captain Kylie Kroeger (midfield). An All-American nominee for the U.S. Lacrosse Association and committed to play lacrosse for Arizona State University, Kroeger tallied an impressive 74 goals, 76 ground balls, 62 draw controls, and 41 caused turnovers. 
Sophomore midfielder Shelby Moore notched 26 goals and led the team in assists, while sophomore Serena Twichell recorded 16 goals.
Ludmila Reynal (co-captain) scored 16 goals and had 44 ground balls, while sophomore defender Brielle Sorice had seven goals, 39 ground balls and caused 19 turnovers.
Junior defender Emery Reyna had 24 ground balls and caused 10 turnovers, with senior Katie Baker (Rookie of the Year) starring on defense.
According to her head coach, Baker’s presence on the team will be missed next season.
“She is a true leader, excellent athlete, and amazing competitor. She will be studying marine biology at Hawaii Pacific University,” Kroeger noted.
“This was a very special season,” Kroeger went on to say, as the team made CIF playoffs for the first time since Mission Bay started the program three seasons ago. “I’m proud of this team and all of the success they have had this season,” Kroeger added. “Many are trying out for club teams in the fall and participating in college camps this summer – the goal is to keep the girls playing in the off season and to continue to establish a well-run program known for great sportsmanship and teamwork. “This program would not be in existence without the support of the community; we are not finically supported and every year we have to fundraise. This year we raised over $12K and would like to thank all those in the community who supported us – including Mission Beach Women’s Club, MBHS Alum Association and FOPBSS who have been three-year donors.” Boys lacrosse
On the boys side, the Bucs ended their campaign for head coach Justin Aefsky with four wins, improving from just two seasons ago when they had zero.
“Our goal is to continue this momentum and eventually build a program that can consistently compete with the top teams in the area,” Aefsky commented.
According to Aefsky, top players for the season included Logan Turbes (goalie, junior), Grant Sawyer (defense, junior), Mohamad Daabas (defense, junior), and Evan Martinez (midfield, junior). Swimming
In the pool, the Bucs recorded some solid times at the recent CIFs.
On the boys side, the 200 medley relay (Garrett Ireland, Whitney Snead, Ethan Gathright, Doug Cromar) came in 29th place; the 200 free relay (Sid Bauer, Garrett Ireland, Ethan Gathright, Doug Cromar) finished 22nd with the sixth fastest MBHS time since the 1970s; the 400 free relay (Alex Fields, Sean Watson, Tanner Delong, Jackson Combs) placed 29th.
On the girls side, the 200 free relay foursome (Zoe Wynne, Ciara Gray, Mathilde Tardivel, Izanna Hypse) came in 28th.
In individual action in the 200 free, Kiley Knight came in 16th and has the fourth fastest MBHS time.
Knight also placed 17th in the 100 fly, recording the third fastest MBHS time. Editor’s note: More spring sports wrap-ups will be coming in the June 2 issue of Beach & Bay Press.