Katella, Valencia to meet again for championship
The Empire League teams reach the Division VII title match.
Katella and Valencia's boys water polo teams are going to clash again for the CIF Division VII title.
The Empire League rivals won their respective semifinals Wednesday to set up a match in Saturday's 9:30 a.m. final at the William Woollett Jr. Aquatics Center in Irvine.
The top-seeded and defending champion Knights defeated No. 5 Santa Ana Valley, 16-5, at Fullerton College.
No. 2 Valencia beat league foe Kennedy, 8-3, in the other semifinal at El Dorado.
"Valencia is a solid opponent this year," said Katella coach Dave Mikesell, who squad shared the Empire League crown with the Tigers. "I'm just happy to be back (in the finals)."
In last season's final, Katella defeated Valencia, 7-1.
Dillon Avila scored six goals to pace the Knights (21-10) on Wednesday. Donald Brown, playing for injured goalie Dylan Peterson, made eight saves for Katella. Peterson suffered a knee injury late in the regular season and has missed the playoffs.
Miguel Munoz scored four goals and goalie Ryan Jackman made 12 saves to lead the Tigers (20-5) against Kennedy.
In Division III:
Montebello 10, Laguna Beach 5: Sophomore Miguel Garcia scored four goals at Mt. SAC as the defending champion Oilers (27-5) beat the Breakers (19-12) for the third time.
In Division V:
El Segundo 10, Troy 9: The Eagles (25-6) led 10-6 and held off the Warriors (22-10), who scored the final goal with 28 seconds left at Pomona-Pitzer.
