Malibu’s first-place boys water polo team was too much for Cate in an 18-8 decision on Friday.
Cate (5-5, 1-5) hung with the Sharks until a 5-1 run late in the second quarter gave Malibu an 11-4 lead at halftime.
Zack Allen and Alex Brown matched the other with a team-high three goals each. William Hogue and Sam Kim also scored for the Rams. Junior goalie Sam Furmanski blocked 11 shots in the cage.
Cate has three games next week: two with Carpinteria on Monday and Wednesday followed by a Friday game with Foothill Prep.
