Morro Bay High’s boys water polo team defeated Nipomo 9-8 on Thursday to finish third in the Los Padres League Tournament. 

The win guarantees that the Pirates (13-13, 5-3 LPL) will advance to the CIFSouthern Section playoffs for the first time in the school’s history. 

The Pirates led 7-3 at halftime and held on in the second half.

Keary Kennedy led the Pirates with three goals. Connor Rose and Grant Johnson both scored twice, and Mac Reinhardt and Marco Maffioli both scored once for Morro Bay. Goalkeeper Jack Krull had nine saves.

Brian Arawjo led the Titans with three goals. Zack Miller scored twice, and David Cruso, Melchar Delagonza and Ian Brocks each scored once for Nipomo.