Mater Dei, El Toro reach semifinals at North-South Challenge

Mater Dei's top-ranked boys water polo team and No. 3 El Toro each won quarterfinal matches Friday to reach the semifinals of the North-South Challenge in Northern California.

The Monarchs (20-0) extended their winning streak 37 overall with a 17-4 victory against Loyola of Los Angeles in a quarterfinal match at Palo Alto.

Bret Bonanni scored five goals to pace the Monarchs who led, 10-0, at halftime en route to their third victory against the Cubs this season. Goalie McQuin Baron added 11 saves for Mater Dei.

In the semifinals Saturday at Sacred Heart in Atherton, Mater Dei will face Agoura at 12:30 p.m. The Monarchs defeated Agoura, 13-7, in the finals of the Santa Barbara Invitational in September.

Agoura edged Villa Park, 12-10, in another quarterfinal match. BJ Churnside and Eric Bungcag combined for nine goals for Villa Park.

El Toro defeated Los Alamitos, 10-3, in the quarterfinals at Sacred Heart. Joey Fuentes and Logan Chappell each scored three goals while goalies Garrett Danner and Asher Enoch combined for 16 saves.

El Toro (19-2) led, 7-0, at halftime.

The Chargers, seeded second in the South behind Mater Dei, play Northern California's top-seeded team, Miramonte of Orinda, in the first semifinal at 11:20 a.m.

The championship match is scheduled for 5:20 p.m. at Sacred Heart.