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Dan Albano. Sports HS Reporter.

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

WEDNESDAY’S CIF BOYS WATER POLO SEMIFINALS

DIVISION 3

No. 4 seed Capistrano Valley (19-11) vs. No. 1 seed Laguna Beach (23-6)

Site, time: Woollett, 3:30 p.m.

   Outlook: The Breakers, the top-seeded team in the division all season, defeated the Cougars, 17-12, just prior to the playoffs. Laguna Beach erupted for seven goals in the first period but the final three quarters were closer. As the nonleague showed, both teams have considerable firepower. Capo Valley features a pair of 100-goal scorers in Austin Sechrest and Jacob Rendina while the Breakers’ Cade Baldridge has 90. Laguna Beach’s most versatile player is Jack Dodson, a strong defender who also leads the Breakers with 40 assists. Laguna Beach lost in the semifinals in Division 2 the past two seasons to Agoura but claimed the Division 3 crown in 2011. Capo Valley is making its first semifinal apperance under veteran coach Steve Yancey, in his 14th season.

   Albano’s predicted winner: Laguna Beach

DIVISION 6

No. 2 seed Segerstrom (24-3) vs. No. 3 Temescal Canyon (18-12)

Site, time: Mt. SAC, 6 p.m.

   Outlook: The Jaguars have transitioned well after capturing Division 7 last season but encounter an experienced contender. Temescal Canyon fell in the Division 6 semifinals last season and lost in consecutive CIF Division 6 finals in 2011 and 2012. The Titans feature also 6-foot-5 goalie in Gabriel Thorne, 6-foot-8 defender Kyle Rasmussen and 6-foot-1 All-CIF pick Logan Gallagher. Segerstrom doesn’t list a player taller than 5-foot-10. And while Temescal Canyon has played a tougher schedule — Steve Pal Memorial, Murrieta Valley — Segerstrom fared better against comparative foe Tustin. The Titans beat Tustin, 10-8, in the first round of the playoffs while Segerstrom handled the Tillers, 12-3, early in the season. Segerstrom won’t be as physical imposing but the Jaguars are well-schooled by Coach Tim Fredericksen.

   Albano’s predicted winner: Temescal Canyon