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Laguna Beach and Makenzie Fischer, left, used a strong counterattack to beat Orange Lutheran, 16-8, Saturday at the Santa Margarita showcase.
Laguna Beach and Makenzie Fischer, left, used a strong counterattack to beat Orange Lutheran, 16-8, Saturday at the Santa Margarita showcase.
Dan Albano. Sports HS Reporter.

// MORE INFORMATION: Staff Mug Shot taken August 26, 2010 : by KATE LUCAS, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER.

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA – Top-ranked Laguna Beach and No. 6 Orange Lutheran found the competition they were seeking Saturday at the girls water polo showcase at Santa Margarita.

The reigning CIF Division 1 champs just found more success despite not being at full strength.

U.S. national team defender Makenzie Fischer scored six goals and Bella Baldridge contributed five assists to help push the Breakers to a 16-8 victory.

Fischer’s sister, Aria, didn’t play because of bruised cartilage in her knee but the Breakers (4-0) continued to build momentum for a Tuesday showdown with No. 3 Newport Harbor and the upcoming Holiday Cup, Jan. 2-3.

“I was really excited for the challenge for our girls to just step up in competition level today and I thought we handled it well,” Laguna Beach coach Ethan Damato said. “Orange Lutheran is the best team we’ve played so far.”

Laguna Beach generated much of its offense off a strong press and opportunistic mindset that helped produce eight counterattack goals, including two by Makenzie Fischer.

Laguna Beach also netted three counterattack goals off defensive stands against Orange Lutheran’s power-play, which finished 3 for 9.

Goalie Holly Parker helped spark the counterattack with seven saves. Baldridge added three steals while Fischer and Haley Evans each added two.

“Any time anybody shoots, we’re trying to counter them,” Damato said.

Orange Lutheran (8-1), facing its toughest opponent, trailed 6-4 late in the second period after a counterattack by Mollie Simmons. But the Breakers scored the final two goals of the first half and the first three of the third to take control.

“Harder games are going to make us better,” said Orange Lutheran’s Kelsey Tyler, who scored twice.

In other games at Santa Margarita:

Rosary 10, No. 7 San Clemente 9: Freshman Georgia Vargas scored with six seconds left to lift the Royals (3-3).

El Toro 16, No. 10 Huntington Beach 9: Madalyn Damato, Haley Hagerty and Madison Parenteau each scored four goals to lead the Chargers (6-3).

No. 5 Los Alamitos 7, No. 8 Santa Margarita 6 (OT): Jenny Lee scored from the perimeter in overtime as the Griffins (9-1) rallied past the Eagles (4-2) and goalie Nikki Doumas (14 saves).

Dana Hills 12, Roosevelt of Eastvale 7: Sydney Baba had five goals, three assists and three steals to lead the Dolphins (7-5).

Contact the writer: dalbano@ocregister.com