Mira Costa Boys’ Volleyball Triumphs Over Loyola in Exciting Comeback Match

In a thrilling annual showdown, the Mira Costa Mustangs edged out the Loyola Cubs in a dramatic five-set match on Friday night, solidifying their status as one of the top high school boys’ volleyball teams in the nation. The match, held in Manhattan Beach, featured intense competition between the two programs, which are ranked No. 1 and No. 2 in the country, respectively. Ultimately, Mira Costa triumphed with scores of 18-25, 26-28, 25-22, 25-22, and 15-11 after a gripping contest that lasted over two and a half hours.

Junior outside hitter Mateo Fuerbringer led the Mustangs’ comeback, delivering an impressive performance with 37 kills, five blocks, and three aces. Fuerbringer, who is regarded as the top recruit in the nation, committed to UCLA last December. “They came out hot and we weren’t playing our best,” Fuerbringer explained. “We knew if we just stayed with it and played out the game we could win it.”

With this victory, the Mustangs improved their record to 22-1, marking their 15th consecutive win. They had previously secured their ninth Southern Section title last spring, followed by triumph in the first-ever Division I state championship in Fresno. Senior Wyatt Davis, set to join UC Santa Barbara, contributed 13 kills and seven blocks, while senior opposite hitter Enzo Barker added nine kills, helping level the match with a key point from Fuerbringer.

“We knew they’re a great team,” said Davis of Loyola. “Between sets two and three we made adjustments; guys came off the bench to make key plays. We wanted it more than them.”

Loyola, despite the loss, showcased significant talent. Senior outside hitter Blake Fahlbusch, who has committed to USC, led his team with 15 kills and four blocks. Senior libero and Loyola Chicago commit Matt Kelly was noted for his defensive agility, while teammate JP Wardy added ten kills.

Mira Costa’s only previous setback this season occurred against Corona del Mar during the Redondo Classic final, a loss they subsequently avenged. The Mustangs swept the nonleague match against Loyola last year, ending a four-year losing streak to the Cubs, who had previously handed Mira Costa its first loss in the Best of the West finals.

Mira Costa’s potential to surpass last year’s impressive 37-2 record remains evident, even after the graduation of standout Grayson Bradford, now at UCLA. Senior setter Jake Newman, who tallied 55 assists, praised his team’s options: “It’s nice having a middle like Wyatt. He and Charlie give me great options. It’s a pretty easy concept.”

Loyola holds the section record for 13 titles, with their most recent championship coming in 2024 against Mira Costa. The teams previously faced off in the finals in 2005, 2010, and 2012, with varying outcomes adding intensity to this rivalry.

Coach Greg Snyder, now in his third season with Mira Costa, acknowledged the challenges ahead. “The first two sets we were predictable. Mateo played great, but we were too Mateo-heavy tonight,” he remarked, emphasizing the need to diversify their offensive strategy. Snyder anticipates facing Loyola again this season and noted the atmosphere of the match: “The gym was packed — this got more buildup than when we played them in the finals. I felt whoever won tonight should be the No. 1 team in the country and whoever lost should be No. 2.”