Troy’s girls water polo team built momentum for its upcoming CIF title defense by capturing the Los Altos tournament Saturday.
The Warriors defeated South Pasadena — the top-ranked team in Division 4 last week — in the championship, 15-4, behind four goals apiece by Shannon Grossman and Minna Mattis.
Goalie Jessica Harris added nine saves for Troy (18-9), the defending Division 4 champion.
South Pasadena played without recent UCLA signee Devin Grab but Troy coach Jason Wilson said the tournament helped his squad prepare for the CIF playoffs.
Wilson said his team not only gained experienced by going 5-0 in the tournament but excelled in a 15-3 victory against Los Altos in the semifinals. Mattis netted six goals in the victory and leads the Warriors with 117 goals.
“I think Bonita, us and South Pasadena are the top-three (in Division 4),” Wilson said in a text message. “There has been a lot of shifting below that. … La Serna (also) could cause problems.”
Troy has clinched at least a share of the Freeway League title and is two victories away from its third consecutive 10-0 league campaign.
GAME OF THE WEEK
The match of the week will be played in the Sunset League. Los Alamitos (18-8, 4-0) takes on host Newport Harbor (19-6, 4-0) on Wednesday at 7:10 p.m. for the league title. The game also carries heavy implications for the Division 1 playoff draw.
INJURY UPDATE, MORE TOP GAMES
El Toro coach Brett McCleave said attacker Shelby Rascon (elbow) is expected to play in the Chargers’ South Coast League showdown at San Clemente on Tuesday. “(It’s been) huge for us,” McCleave said of playing much of the season without Rascon. “Team captain. Best shooter.”
In another Division 2 game to watch Tuesday, Rosary plays host to Orange Lutheran at Fullerton College in a duel for third place in the Trinity League.
On Wednesdy, Yorba Linda will take on Empire League rival Pacifica at Garden Grove at 6:30 p.m. in a pairing of last season’s Division 6 final. Both teams are undefeated in league.
