Palos Verdes may have had about a dozen players graduate from its juggernaut squad a year ago, but it would be hard to tell from what the Sea Kings were doing Thursday against visiting Mira Costa.

Finishing with only one loss last year — in the championship game between Los Angeles and Orange County — the Sea Kings took out playoff semifinalist Mira Costa mercilessly in a 12-2 Bay League contest.

The Sea Kings’ Nolan Semel had three goals and Sammy Romer, Erik Trelenberg and Dillon Cogan each had two goals in the rout. Alex Richardson, Brandon Lim and Paul Montaverde also scored for Palos Verdes.

Richardson could have had two goals, but he was denied in the waning seconds of the first half when his shot caromed off the crossbar and out of play.

“This was our best game yet. We worked harder and stronger than our last game. That loss helped us,” Richardson said. “Semel is the best offensive player in our league. He was unstoppable [today].”

Added Palos Verdes Head Coach Lane Jaffe, “Semel’s a beast.”

The Sea Kings (3-1, 1-0) were pleased with their offensive comeback after losing to Corona del Mar in their last game. They were also surprised by Mira Costa’s play.

“We expected Mira Costa to be a better team than this,” Semel said.

Mira Costa Head Coach Dave Vinci said his team tried everything to stop Semel, but it couldn’t, and Palos Verdes’ depth didn’t make things easier. “I expected we’d hang a bit tougher, but we’re dealing with injuries to three starters. But no excuses. We didn’t come to play and unfortunately, we lacked a scoring punch,” Vinci said.

Matt Creem and P.J. Bodell scored for Mira Costa (0-2, 0-1).

Palos Verdes’ Matt Schladen had five saves in three quarters for Palos Verdes. Backup goalie Reuben Vollmer recorded a save in the fourth.

Jaffe liked the team’s composure on offense, but he noted some things from last year’s nearly perfect team haven’t crossed over.

“We don’t have the stick skills like last year, but we still have the attitude and athleticism,” Jaffe said. “Our loss to Corona del Mar was a learning experience. But we want to play our best lacrosse in May, not February.”