Here are my playoff predictions, along with some special ones in Division 1 from Santa Margarita girls coach and 2014 O.C. Register coach of the year Brian Weathersby, for Wednesday’s first-round playoff matches in girls water polo:
CIF Division 1
First round
Coach Brian Weathersby’s picks/analysis
Laguna Beach def. Villa Park BW’s comment: Laguna is playing at such a high level right now, it would be hard for anyone to beat them.
Los Al def. Dos Pueblos BW’s comment: Going to be a very close game. Both teams are playing at high levels. Game will probably be decided in the fourth quarter. Sarah Siepker will be a huge factor in this game for Los Al.
Orange Lutheran def. Santa Barbara BW’s comment: Going to be a good game. Orange Lutheran is playing well, one of the better teams as of now. But Santa Barbara is a well-coached team and will probably throw some new things at Orange Lutheran.
Corona del Mar def. Edison BW’s comment: Edison has been playing very well as of late but I believe the speed and teamwork of CdM will be too much for Edison. Plus Maddie Musselman will be hard to control.
Newport Harbor def. Beckman: BW’s comment: Between the coaching and the goalie play, it’s tough to beat Newport.
San Marcos def. Rosary: BW’s comment: Rosary is good at making you play their style of water polo. But I believe Paige Hauschild for San Marcos will be the difference.
Mater Dei def. Saddleback: BW’s comment: Mater Dei will be too much for Saddleback. Mater Dei is a physical team, which will help them control the game.
Foothill def. University: BW’s comment: Foothill is overall a very solid team who will control this game.
Albano’s predicted winners Wednesday
Division 1
Laguna def. VP
Los Al def. Dos Pueblos
Orange Luth def. Santa Barbara
CdM def. Edison
Newport def. Beckman
San Marcos def. Rosary
Mater Dei def. Saddleback
Foothill def. Uni
Division 3
Troy def. Norco (could be close, Norco has played No. 2 seed ML King tough twice)
Troy-Norco updates: Follow @CallMeEPJ for updates
Santiago/C def. La Habra
Division 5
Esperanza def. La Canada
Temple City def. El Modena
