IRVINE – Laguna Beach’s girls water polo team felt a little nervous at the start Saturday night and quickly fell behind against Foothill in the CIF-SS Division 1 final.
“We were definitely freaking out,” attacker Bella Baldridge said. “I was kind of surprised (Foothill) came out so hard.”
But the Breakers gathered themselves and delivered a well-balanced performance full of fight and worthy of their historical season.
Aria Fischer scored five goals, Baldridge contributed a school-record seven assists and Holly Parker made 12 saves as Laguna Beach capped a perfect season with an 11-6 victory in front of an estimated 1,600 at the Woollett Aquatics Center.
U.S. national team member Makenzie Fischer added three goals and two field blocks in a masterful defensive effort and Taylor Julson came off the bench to score twice to help the top-seeded Breakers (31-0) capture their second consecutive Division 1 crown and extend their winning streak to an Orange County-record 52 matches.
“It’s just been an amazing season,” Makenzie Fischer said. “I couldn’t ask to spent it with anyone else than my teammates.”
The Breakers sprinted to the finish, taking a 4-3 lead early in the second period and never looking back. Center Cana Manzella gave Foothill a 2-0 lead with a pair goals from center in the first two minutes but Laguna Beach showed its grit and unity in the rally.
“When we all play together,” Parker said, “I like to think we’re unstoppable.”
Laguna Beach finished 5-0 against the second-seeded Knights (26-5), who didn’t lose to any other squad.
The Breakers calmed the stormy waters by switching Makenzie Fischer to defend Manzella. Aria also guard Manzella but Laguna Beach still needed to play four periods to finally sink the Knights.
The third period proved critical. With Laguna Beach leading, 7-5, Aria Fischer scored from 5 meters with 3:03 left in the frame. Parker then blocked an excellent counterattack chance with 1:30 left. Aria Fischer extended the lead to 9-5 on a power-play strike with 1 minute left, and the Breakers were in control.
“This is an amazing group of girls,” Laguna Beach coach Ethan Damato said. “They’re resilient. They’re mentally tough. They’re physical tough and tonight we had to be. Foothill brought it and we brought it right back.
“Our girls battled through.”
Laguna Beach will graduate Makenzie Fischer but the senior seemed to pass her leading-woman torch to her sophomore sister, Aria.
“Yeah, I think so,” Makenzie said. “She’s definitely ready.”
Damato agreed.
“I think she’s going to be the best player in high school next year,” he said of Aria Fischer.
But there was mistaking the role Makenzie Fischer played Saturday, especially after Foothill opened with a burst of energy.
“Fish was like, ‘Guys, calm down. We got this, ‘ ” Baldridge said. “I thought that was really helpful. … We’re definitely going to miss Fish.”
Manzella and Emily Konishi each scored twice for Foothill and Kenzie Snyder added five saves. Konishi scored twice on perimeter shots that bounced in off the post.
“I thought Cana played unbelievable,” Foothill coach Jim Brumm said of the senior, who also drew three exclusions. “I thought we threw everything at them tonight and we still came out on the short end. … We have a very good team. We’ve had to be second fiddle to a really good team.”
Laguna Beach went 5 for 8 on the power play; Foothill finished 2 for 5. Aria Fischer scored three of her goals on the power-play.
Contact the writer: dalbano@ocregister.com
