Laguna Beach (22-6) methodically dismantled La Canada (22-7) this past Wednesday at Woollett Aquatics Center in Irvine to advance to the Southern Section CIF D-III Championships to be held this Saturday, November 19, 11:45 AM at the same pool adjacent to Irvine High School. Nolan McConnell led the offense with five goals, two assists and three steals while Erik Henrikson was brilliant in goal with 17 saves.
Breakers took control early and their tough defense forced La Canada to take less desirable shots. After a late second quarter score on a power play cut Laguna’s lead to 7-3, the Spartans were shut out until midway in the fourth period when Laguna already led 11-3.
Laguna will be in their fourth all-time finals in 48-seasons of Boys Water Polo. Breakers previously were in the 3A finals in 1974, D-II finals in 1996, and last year’s D-III championships, a 11-9 win over Damien. The Damien Spartans edged Bay League Champion Palos Verdes 10-8 on Wednesday to return to the championships. Laguna defeated them during the regular season 10-5 at the Laguna Community Pool on October 18.
Laguna 4-3-4-3 – 14
La Canada 1-2-0-2 – 5
Scoring: Nolan McConnell-Nick Brunner- (LC) – McConnell- Caleb Scott – (LC) – McConnell – Riley Thomas – Thomas – (LC) – Brunner – Scott – McConnell – Scott – (LC) – McConnell – Tommy Renner – (LC) – Camron Hauer
Peninsula Ends Tennis Season
Peninsula High School (Rolling Hills Estates) closed out Laguna’s girls tennis season with a rain abbreviated 11-1 win Saturday, Nov. 12, at Peninsula High School. Breakers (13-8) had advanced with an 11-7 win over Northwood in the D-I opening rounds, Laguna’s first playoff win since 2009. Coach Don Davis had a successful initial campaign with Laguna as the squad captured their sixth straight league crown.
