Breakers girls off to rocky start

The Laguna High girls’ soccer team found the going tough Tuesday

against Northwood.

The Breakers couldn’t crack the scoreboard as the Timberwolves

came into Laguna and posted a 3-0 shutout in a Pacific Coast League

match.

Northwood, now 2-0 in league, displayed a balanced offensive

attack and was up, 1-0, at the half.

The Timberwolves scored all three of their goals on set plays,

including a third and final goal just before the final horn.

Laguna goalie Nikki Chesley recorded 14 saves.

Northwood’s defense has not been scored upon in its past nine

matches, Laguna Coach Mike Thomas said.

It was the second league loss in as many outings for Laguna, which

opened its PCL schedule with a 2-0 home loss to Corona Del Mar.

Corona del Mar has won four of the past five PCL titles.

Northwood, meanwhile, is the reigning league champion.

“We’ve been playing some pretty big teams and that’s a tough way

for any team to open up league play,” Thomas said.

“As a coach, I can’t ask for anything more than what the girls

have given me so far this season. They are doing a great job out

there and I’m very pleased with their efforts. Our aim is to try and

finish in third-place in league, and that can be a tough task.”

In boys’ soccer, Laguna opened up league play Wednesday by hosting

Northwood. The score was not available at press time.

It was Laguna’s first game since a Jan. 2 match against Highland.

In this week’s CIF Southern Section rankings, Laguna is ranked No.

3 in the Division II girls’ water polo poll.

The Breakers are ranked behind No. 1 Corona del Mar and No. 2

Canyon of Anaheim.

Laguna hosted the top-ranked Sea Kings Wednesday in a league

opener, but the score was not available at press time.

The match was Laguna’s first of the New Year and first since it

participated in the Tru-West Invitational tournament Dec. 26-27.

A third Pacific Coast League team, University, is ranked seventh

in the girls’ water polo Division I poll.