Mira Costa boys' volleyball defeats rival Loyola in thrilling comeback

Top-ranked Mustangs rally from two sets down to beat No. 2 Cubs in five-set instant classic

Mar. 21, 2026 at 6:11am

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The CIF championship was not on the line, but it may as well have been Friday night in the annual boys' volleyball showdown between Mira Costa and Loyola. Showing why they entered their grudge match in Manhattan Beach ranked No. 1 and No. 2 in the country, two of the Southland's most storied programs battled for five scintillating sets as the host Mustangs rallied for an 18-25, 26-28, 25-22, 25-22, 15-11 win in an instant classic that lasted over two and a half hours.

Why it matters

This matchup between the top two boys' volleyball teams in the nation had major implications for the national rankings and bragging rights in the Southland volleyball community. Mira Costa and Loyola are perennial powerhouses, with a long history of facing off in high-stakes championship matches.

The details

Leading the comeback for Mira Costa was junior outside hitter Mateo Fuerbringer, who finished with 37 kills, five blocks and three aces. Wyatt Davis, a senior headed to UC Santa Barbara, added 13 kills and seven blocks, and senior opposite hitter Enzo Barker pounded nine kills for the top-ranked Mustangs. For Loyola, senior outside hitter and USC signee Blake Fahlbusch led the Cubs with 15 kills and four blocks, while senior libero and Loyola Chicago commit Matt Kelly was a standout on defense.

  • The match took place on Friday night in Manhattan Beach.
  • Mira Costa's lone setback came on Feb. 21 against Corona del Mar in the Redondo Classic final, which the Mustangs later avenged.
  • Loyola had previously handed Mira Costa its first loss in the Best of the West finals, but the Mustangs swept last year's nonleague meeting at Loyola to end a four-year losing streak to the Cubs.

The players

Mateo Fuerbringer

A junior outside hitter for Mira Costa who finished with 37 kills, five blocks and three aces. He is considered the top recruit in the nation and committed to UCLA in December.

Wyatt Davis

A senior headed to UC Santa Barbara who added 13 kills and seven blocks for Mira Costa.

Enzo Barker

A senior opposite hitter who pounded nine kills for top-ranked Mira Costa.

Blake Fahlbusch

A senior outside hitter and USC signee who led Loyola with 15 kills and four blocks.

Matt Kelly

Loyola's senior libero and Loyola Chicago commit who was a standout on defense.

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What they’re saying

“They came out hot and we weren't playing our best. We knew if we just stayed with it and played out the game we could win it.”

— Mateo Fuerbringer, junior outside hitter, Mira Costa

“We knew they're a great team. Between sets two and three and we made adjustments, guys came off the bench to make key plays, Enzo moved to the outside and we made less errors in the last set. We wanted it more than them.”

— Wyatt Davis, senior, Mira Costa

“It's nice having a middle like Wyatt [Davis]. He and Charlie give me great options. It's a pretty easy concept.”

— Jake Newman, senior setter, Mira Costa

What’s next

Mira Costa and Loyola are expected to meet again later this season, potentially in the CIF championship match.

The takeaway

This thrilling matchup between the top two boys' volleyball teams in the nation showcased the high level of talent and competitiveness in the Southland volleyball scene. Mira Costa's ability to rally from a two-set deficit against their rival Loyola demonstrates the depth and resilience of the top-ranked Mustangs squad.