Making a noticeable splash

The 2002-03 prep athletic season is not even a month old, but that

hasn’t stopped several Laguna Beach High sports programs from making

their way into the CIF Southern Section rankings.

The rankings released by the CIF-SS office on Tuesday reflected

play through Sept. 23.

Laguna Beach’s boys’ water polo team, which edged Capistrano

Valley on Tuesday to improve to 4-0 overall, held a No. 8 ranking in

the latest Division I poll.

Both of the Breakers’ boys’ and girls’ cross country teams can be

found residing in the Top 10.

In the boys’ Division IV poll, Laguna Beach held down the No. 5

spot.

The girls’ Division IV poll listed the Breakers at No. 7.

The girls’ volleyball team, still looking for its first win of the

season, managed to hold on to the No. 2 position in the Division

IV-AA poll which was headed by No. 1 Marymount.

Laguna Beach’s girls’ tennis team is ranked eighth overall among

600 schools in the latest Times CIF rankings.

The Breakers were 2-1 heading into Thursday’s match against San

Clemente.

“We have incredible depth this season all the way down to No. 3

doubles, and a very solid singles lineup,” Breakers coach Brian

Ricker said. “I think we can prove we deserve these lofty rankings if

the girls stay focused and continue to work hard in practice.”