Mater Dei sprints past Santiago in final

Mater Dei's girls water polo team defeated a budding rival Saturday night to make history at the America's Finest City Kap7 Women's Invitational in Coronado.

The Monarchs, ranked No. 2 in CIF Division 2, sprinted past division leader Santiago of Corona, 12-8, in the final.

It was Mater Dei's first title at the America's Finest City tournament. Monarchs junior center Mackenzie Barr was selected tournament MVP.

Mater Dei (18-4) and Santiago have played three times this season – all in tournament play. The Monarchs hold a 2-1 advantage. The squads play a nonleague match Friday at Mater Dei at 5:45 p.m.

Last weekend, Santiago edged Mater Dei, 7-6, in Santa Barbara.

"I am proud of the girls with how they responded," Mater Dei coach Chris Segesman said in a text message. "They played with focus, intensity and a desire to fix the mistakes made last weekend."

Santiago defeated Santa Margarita, 9-7, in the semifinals and Rosary, 9-8, in overtime in the quarterfinals.