Laguna is the top seed in the Division 2 state regional playoffs to be held at Corona del Mar High School this weekend with Laguna opening play on Friday, March 2, against Point Loma (19-8), at 4 p.m. at the CdM pool. Should the seedings hold, semifinals will be at 9 a.m. on Saturday, March 3, against Orange Lutheran (15-13) and the finals at 3:30 with either Los Alamitos (22-9) or Corona del Mar (27-6).
Last week the Breakers took care of Corona del Mar in the Southern Section CIF fifth-place game with a 9-4 victory over the fourth-ranked Sea Queens at the loser’s pool on Thursday, Feb. 22. It was the Laguna’s 10th straight win over CdM dating back to 2013.
Laguna dominated the match from the beginning, scoring on their first possession as Alana Evans drew an 5-meter penalty shot with Evan Tingler providing the score less than 40 seconds into the game. Alex Peros made it 2-0 at the 4:32 mark off a Tingler pass in a six on five power play after Alex drew the exclusion. Corona del Mar later scored a goal off a rebounded shot to make it 2-1, but the Breakers quickly extended their lead with goals by Sophia Lucas and Tingler. In the second period, Lucas and Peros scored again for Laguna to lead 6-1 but the Sea Queens added a late second period goal before halftime. Laguna dominated play in the second half and were able to clear the bench giving the entire team a chance to play. Thea Walsh made 13 saves.
Opponent update: San Marcos showed their miracle overtime win over Laguna on Feb. 15 was no fluke as the Royals came back to defeat Mater Dei 6-4 in the SS CIF Division 1 semifinals and Dos Pueblos 4-3 in the final played at the DP pool. Quite a run for the San Marcos, which traditionally have been overshadowed in the Santa Barbara area by Dos Pueblos and Santa Barbara High Schools.
