Trinity soccer battles begin this week

The first big match of the Trinity League boys soccer season arrives Friday when Mater Dei (7-2-1) faces rival Servite (8-2-1) on the Friars' home field at 3 p.m.

Servite has been in the county top 10 all season. The Friars hold the No. 3 spot this week after losing to Desert Vista, 3-2, in the Elite medal round at the Nautical Cup last week.

The Monarchs join the top 10 this week for the first time. The Monarchs are No. 7 after beating Fullerton, 3-2, in the Marina Tournament championship match.

It should be an interesting matchup. Servite has been one of the best defensive teams in the county.

The Friars blanked La Jolla Country Day and Ramona in the opening rounds of the Nautical Cup. And they have one of the best goalies in the county in Chris Violas. - Damian Dottore

GIRLS SOCCER: ESTANCIA BREAKS OUT

Estancia girls soccer team pulled off a major surprise in the North Orange County Classic.

The Eagles lost the four matches before the tournament by the cumulative score of 23-3.

Estancia coach Jessica Gatica said she was hoping her players would rebound at the tournament.

“I was looking for that never-say-die attitude,” she said. “Even though we had some rough losses, I thought if they could come back strong, we would be OK.”

The Eagles (6-7-1) did that and more, winning four consecutive games to capture the Gold Division V8 title.

After allowing an average of nearly six goals a game during its losing streak, Estancia held four opponents to a total of four goals.

“They came out strong from the first game and were determined to put the past in the past and look forward,” Gatica said.

Gatica said maintaining that defensive effort will be important in Orange Coast League play. The Eagles open league play Thursday against rival Costa Mesa.

“We have to stay focused and consistent with our defense,” Gatica said. - Jason Eichelberger 

WRESTLING: FOUNTAIN VALLEY TOUGH ON MATS

Fountain Valley's wrestling team placed fourth at the North Torrance Tournament of Champions on Saturday with 142.5 points.

The Barons finished 12 points behind third-place Royal of Simi Valley.

Fountain Valley finished with four individual place-winners and one champion, Anthony Duarte, who defeated Ramsey Chahine of Mira Costa of Manhattan Beach, 10-8, in the 171 final.

Kyle Larkin placed fifth at 112 pounds, All-County defensive lineman Awwad Yasin was fourth at 152 pounds and Barry Gee finished eighth in the heavyweight class.

The Barons are ranked sixth in the county. …

The Estancia New Year Classic is set to begin Friday at Estancia. Some of the county's top teams will be in attendance, including top-ranked Calvary Chapel, No. 3 Santa Ana, No. 4 El Modena, No. 6 Fountain Valley and San Clemente. - Damian Calhoun

GIRLS WATER POLO: ROUGH WATERS AHEAD?

Edison's girls water polo team will be put to the test quickly in the Sunset League.

The No. 7 Chargers (9-6) open Wednesday at defending champion and No. 3 Newport Harbor (5-3) at 5 p.m.

Next week, Edison plays surging No. 5 Los Alamitos (10-1).

The Chargers are riding some momentum into the stretch. Edison placed sixth at the Holiday Cup, its best showing at the tournament. … Mater Dei's eighth-ranked girls water polo team plays at Division II contender Palos Verdes on Wednesday. Palos Verdes took sixth at the Holiday Cup and fourth at the Villa Park Classic. - Dan Albano

Contact the writer: dalbano@ocregister.com