HUNTINGTON BEACH – They circled the faceoff X, the heads of their lacrosse sticks pressed together on the turf, fighting for possession. Three Palos Verdes players tried their own maneuvers, but each came away empty-netted.
There was little they could do as Foothill’s Austin Babb popped up with the ball and started another Knights possession.
“He’s very strong,” Foothill coach Jon Fox said. “If they can’t outquick him it’s going to be tough to get the ball because he’s physically just a beast. And he really did an incredible job there.”
Babb gave Foothill complete control of the game, winning 21 of 26 faceoffs he took. It helped the Knights get over a sloppy start to defeat Palos Verdes, 15-10, in the U.S. Lacrosse Southern Section championship at Huntington Beach High on Saturday.
Foothill outscored Palos Verdes, 7-1, in the second quarter to take a 9-4 halftime lead and didn’t let the Sea Kings get within four in the second half.
Foothill (21-1) captured its first championship since the last of its five consecutive titles in 2011.
“It’s just special to be back in the championship,” Fox said. “A lot of people said we were only winning early on because we had started first. I think this proves that we’re a good program, and we’re ready to play.”
Palos Verdes (13-9) had the upper hand early, taking a 3-2 lead after one quarter. Foothill goalkeeper Hank Lewis hung tough, making seven saves in the first half before subbing out for Ryan Blank.
Palos Verdes’ chances grew fewer in the second quarter. Babb won six consecutive faceoffs, and Foothill scored five straight goals to take a 7-3 lead.
Senior attackman Nate Marano scored three in a row during that stretch, using his size to body Palos Verdes defenders and get close to the cage.
Marano led all players with six goals and three assists. Nick Matzek added five goals.
Babb won his first 10 faceoffs of the second half, allowing the Knights to control time of possession and thwart a comeback.
Contact the writer: mcooper@losangelesregister.com
