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For the past two weeks, head coach G.W. Mix's father Warren "Moose" Mix has been beating the odds while battling significant health issues at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. On Friday night, coach Mix left his side and flew home to re-unite with his family and join his Sea King lacrosse family for its game against Newport Harbor on Saturday. Prior to his return, the team dedicated the game to "Moose" and honored his fighting spirit with a never-look-back 10-4 win.

"This is a very special group of young men," Mix commented shortly after the win. "For the past ten days, they have worked hard, prepared well and won some big games under difficult circumstances."

Mix left Newport to be with his father more than ten days ago. During his absence, the Sea Kings (8-0 / 5-0), under the direction of assistants Devin Arkison, Andy Chalupa, Jeremy Sieverts, and Mike Ortlieb won two games, defeating Colorado powerhouse Mullen 9-7 and local PCL foe Woodbridge 15-2.

"The fact these kids were able to stay on task under those circumstances is remarkable. It is a credit to Devin, Jeremy, Mike and Andy for demonstrating terrific leadership and keeping them focussed. I am so proud of all of them."

Wearing shooting shirts adorned with "This One's For Moose," CDM wasted no time making good on the dedication, jumping out to a 3-0 lead and taking a 6-2 lead into the locker room at half-time. Senior midfielder Michael Keasey led all scorers with 3 goals and an assist. Jack Ortlieb (Jr/Attack) added two goals an an assist, while Casey Mix (Jr/Attack) and Hunter Molnar (Sr/Attack) each scored twice. Chris Von Der Ahe (Jr/Midfield) added one goal, Brett Nelson (Jr/Midfield) and Jay Damon (So/Midfield) each had an assist.

"The kids did a great job of keeping everything in perspective. We were able to control Newport's offense and get great opportunities against their defense. We broke down a few times, but when we did, Michael pulled out another rabbit. He was terrific."

Senior goalie Michael Ortlieb made 12 saves and allowed just 4 goals (.750%). The close defense of Connor Cruse, Matt English, and Erik Fisher played well, never allowing the Sailors to get into any sort of offensive rhythm. Defensive midfielders Frasier Anderson and Kyle Sherburne held Newport's midfield in check most of the day.

"Because of some injuries, we played them all day with only three poles. Pretty unusual these days, but we feel our short-stick middies play solid defense. We were very confident they could do the job."

Face-off specialist Taylor Epp (Sr/Midfield) was impressive, winning 14 of 18 (.777%).

"Taylor continues to give us opportunities to control the game. When he is winning most of the draws, we have a much better chance to go on a run than our opponent does."

Corona del Mar improves it's record over Newport Harbor to 7-0 (since boys lacrosse became a CIF sport at both schools in 2007) and head coach G.W. Mix's career mark against the Sailors grows to 4-0.

Up next - the Kings play PCL rival Beckman Monday afternoon at Beckman.