Millikan High School Advances in CIF-SS Water Polo
The Long Beach team defeated Fullerton to secure its first playoff victory in six years.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Swimming
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Millikan High School notched a 12-7 win over Fullerton in a CIF-SS Division 3 playoff game held at the Wilson Aquatics Center. The victory marks the first time the program has advanced in the playoffs since 2020.
Why it matters
This win signals a significant turnaround for the Millikan program, breaking a six-year drought in postseason competition. The team now looks to continue its momentum in the upcoming second round.
Stephen Fischer led the offensive effort with four goals, while goalkeeper Kollin Seeds recorded 10 saves to secure the 12-7 win. The team maintained control throughout the match, holding a 6-3 lead by halftime.
The players
Millikan High School
This is a Long Beach educational institution that competes in CIF Southern Section athletics.
Stephen Fischer
He is a student-athlete who served as the primary offensive contributor for the team during this playoff game.
Kollin Seeds
He is the team goalkeeper who provided key defensive support by recording 10 saves.
The details
Millikan utilized a physical press defense to force turnovers and generate consistent scoring opportunities through the counterattack. Additional offensive contributions came from Lucian Velasco with three goals, Max Cortez with two, and Kody Rankin, Adam Wells, and Taj Dahul with one each.
Timeline
The playoff game took place on October 29, 2026.
Millikan last won a playoff game in 2020.
The second round match against La Serna is scheduled for November 3, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This win significantly alters the team's current postseason standing, providing a much-needed morale boost for the remainder of the tournament. The victory positions the program to build toward a deeper run compared to their previous appearances over the last half-decade.
The 12-7 scoreline confirms the effectiveness of the team's press-heavy defensive strategy in postseason play. Moving forward, the team will need to maintain this offensive pace to advance against La Serna in the upcoming bracket matchup.
The takeaway
The team demonstrated that a focus on physical defense and fast-break offense can effectively end long playoff droughts. Maintaining this high-pressure style will be essential as they face tougher competition in the later stages of the tournament.
What happens next
Millikan will face La Serna in the second round of the playoffs on November 3, 2026.
Further reading
For more on high school aquatic athletics in the area, visit Swimming.
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