Mater Dei goes charging into playoffs
Mater Dei's seeding for the CIF Division 2 girls water polo playoffs won't be known until Sunday, but this much became certain Tuesday night:
The Monarchs positioned themselves the best they could with a 12-6 victory against visiting Rosary.
Mackenzie Barr scored three of her game-high four goals to open the third period to help Mater Dei (18-9, 3-1) clinch second-place in the Trinity League.
Brianna Daboub also scored twice in the second half as Mater Dei netted the first seven goals to open an 11-4 lead.
"We had to finish second (in league)," Monarchs coach Chris Segesman said.
Third-place Rosary (12-13, 2-2) was hurt in the third when Katie Tijerina and Maddy Johnson fouled out.
The Royals led, 4-3, late in the first half after a power-play goal by Ellise Floreani and a few strong saves by Jessica Hermosillo (15 saves).
The question now for Mater Dei is what playoff seed it will receive. While a Mater Dei-El Toro quarterfinal could happen, the division looks wide open.
"I think this is the best division I've been part of since I've started coaching in terms of parity," Segesman said.
In another Trinity League game:
Orange Lutheran 11, JSerra 9: Emily Skelly and Campbell Ruh combined for nine goals and Bailey Meyer made 14 saves as the visiting Lancers (11-9, 1-3) clinched fourth place and became eligible for the playoffs.
In the Century League:
Villa Park 9, Esperanza 5: Keri Tombrello made 11 saves to help the visiting Spartans (17-12, 5-1) secure second place. Canyon, Esperanza and El Dorado finished tied for third but the Comanches won a coin-flip . El Dorado plays at Esperanza on Friday for fourth.
