7 local lacrosse teams qualify for the CIF playoffs

Last season the Corona del Mar High School boys’ lacrosse team reached the semifinals in the top division of the inaugural CIF Southern Section playoffs for the sport.

But, that was last season. After earning the No. 4 seed in the Division 1 bracket this year, CdM (15-3) will be challenged to get to that stage again.

The Sunset League-champion Sea Kings open at home against Westlake (11-8, Marmonte No. 2) on Wednesday, before a potential second-round meeting with Los Angeles Loyola, the team that ousted CdM from the playoffs en route to winning the Division 1 championship a year ago.

Newport Harbor (7-11, Sunset No. 3) plays at Santa Margarita (11-6, Trinity No. 2) in a wildcard match on Monday, both teams vying for the chance to face Crestview League champion Foothill (16-4). The Knights are the No. 3 seed.

Edison (9-9) and Huntington Beach (8-8) earned at-large berths in the Division 2 playoffs with .500 records. Both teams play first-round matches on Wednesday.

The Chargers travel to take on Temecula Great Oak (11-4, Southwestern No. 3), while the Oilers stay in Orange County with a first-round match at San Juan Hills (12-6, Sea View League No. 2).

San Juan Hills handed a 7-6 loss to a hosting Huntington Beach in nonleague play on Feb. 23.

Three local girls’ lacrosse teams have advanced to the section playoffs, including reigning Division 2 champion Corona del Mar (12-5, Sunset No. 2). The Sea Kings will begin their title defense as the No. 2 seed on the road at Foothill League co-champion West Ranch (7-9) on Thursday.

Possible second-round opponents for CdM would include Crescenta Valley (14-3, Pacific League champion) and Canyon (12-9, Crestview No. 2), the latter of which the Sea Kings beat in the Division 2 final last season.

Newport Harbor (11-9, Sunset No. 3) plays at Mission League co-champion West Hills Chaminade (10-3) in the first round.

The Battle of the Bay rivals could meet in the Division 2 semifinals.

In an exclusive Division 1 bracket featuring just eight teams, Sunset League champion Edison (13-6) plays at top-seeded Foothill (18-1) in the first round on Tuesday. The Chargers lost to the Crestview League-champion Knights 17-7 in a nonleague meeting at home on March 30.

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