Tars eliminate Aztecs

Roger Carlson

CORONA DEL MAR -- Las Vegas bookmakers would go crazy if high

school water polo were ever put on the line, considering the rarity of

upsets in the first round of the CIF Playoffs.

Esperanza High’s Aztecs tried it Thursday afternoon at Corona del Mar

High, but even though Sailors’ Coach Bill Barnett considered his team’s

showing below average, it was enough to dispatch Esperanza, 12-7.

“We didn’t play with the intensity I know we can play, and we made a

lot of stupid mistakes,” said the veteran coach. “We were very sloppy,

and if we play like that on Saturday (against San Clemente at a site to

be determined today), we ain’t going no further.”

If there was a defining moment, aside from the Tars’ overall

superiority and defensive strength in the second half, it came with 1:32

left in the first half as Esperanza, fresh off two straight goals from

Katie Six to pare the deficit to 6-5, began an attack in Newport waters.

But Annie Wight swept in, stole the ball and passed off to Jenna

Murphy, who surged toward the Esperanza goal, then pulled up and

connected from 20 feet.

Katherine Belden scored on a penalty shot early in the third quarter,

then Murphy stole the ball and Annie Belden scored her second goal of the

game to put the Sailors ahead, 9-5.

Esperanza would never come closer than three after that as Harbor

improved to 22-6. Esperanza exits with a 18-12 mark.

CIF Division I

First Round

Newport Harbor 12, Esperanza 7

Esperanza 2 3 2 0 - 7

Newport 2 5 3 2 - 12

Esperanza - Six 4, Torneo 3, Saves - Steinman 7.

Newport Harbor - Wight 3, Ball 2, K. Belden 2, A. Belden 2, Murphy 2,

Parole 1. Saves - Grocki 5.