Briefs: Knapp nearly a qualifier

Jake Knapp, an Estancia High senior-to-be, nearly grabbed the second alternate spot at the U.S. Amateur Sectional Qualifier at Mission Viejo Country Club Monday.

Knapp tied with San Clemente’s Tyler Stubbs, who works at Mission Viejo CC, Knapp said, after both shot even-par 144 in the two rounds. Knapp lost to Stubbs on the second playoff hole, No. 18, when Stubbs birdied it.

Knapp shot two-over-par 74 in the first round Monday, and then followed with a one-under round, as he went bogey free and birdied No. 7.

Steven Kearney of Carlsbad grabbed the top qualifying spot after shooting five-under 139. Trevor Simsby of Carlsbad and Christopher Tuulik of San Diego both qualified at 141. Andrew Lister of Coronado was the first alternate after he shot 143.

The 111th U.S. Amateur is Aug. 22-28 at Erin Hills and Blue Mound Golf & Country Club in Wisconsin.

“I was OK with where I finished,” Knapp said. “It was good competition and a good field. I know I could’ve played better. I just gotta keep working harder. I think I took one step closer. It was a bit of a bummer, but I’m looking to next year and maybe qualify next year.”

Knapp will take the next three weeks off before competing in the Junior Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. Aug. 31 through Sept. 4. The invitational event features the top junior golfers in the nation.

This weekend, Knapp be caddying for his older brother, Ryan, who is competing in the Costa Mesa City Championship.

— Steve Virgen

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Newport boys take 11th

Newport Beach Water Polo Inc. finished 11th in the boys’ 18-and-under platinum division of the Junior Olympics Tuesday.

Newport Beach Water Polo Inc., made up of players from the Newport Harbor High boys’ water polo team, beat Shore Aquatic Club, 9-5, at Costa Mesa High. The victory ended a two-game skid that took place Monday.

Newport Beach Water Polo Inc. went 6-3 in the tournament that features mainly club teams that field players from various parts of their respective areas.

— From staff reports

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Taylor earns MVP honors

UC Irvine alumna Tanya Taylor’s strike in the 101st minute lifted the Orange County Waves to a 2-1 victory over the Chicago Red Stars Sunday in the Women’s Premier Soccer League national championship.

Taylor’s goal gave the Waves their first championship in the WPSL, and Taylor came away with the game’s MVP award.

She played in eight games with the Waves, scoring four goals and leading the team with six assists.

The 2010 All-American and Big West Conference Offensive Player of the Year joined the Waves and the WPSL this season after leading UCI to an NCAA Tournament appearance that went all the way to the Sweet Sixteen.

— From staff reports