Just two predictions to make for today’s CIF girls water polo finals but both are very tricky.
Yes, the finals are supposed to be tough.
The Diviison 1 and Division 2 finals will be exciting games for the fans and tons of funs for the players. Here’s how I see it going down at Woollett:
Division 2 (2:30 p.m.)
El Toro def. Murrieta Valley
The Chargers’ second-half surge against Los Osos in the semifinals was impressive, and if they play like that or a bit better, they could finally solve the Nighthawks. El Toro’s championship experience from last season also should help offset the mental barrier of being 0-3 vs. Murrieta this season. Sometimes teams, on certain years, just have the number of an opponent. The Nighthawks didn’t close well in the semifinals against San Clemente but a lot of that was foul trouble. Still, some of Ell Toro’s comparable scores fare well against Murrieta Valley, so the Chargers are the pick, perhaps in overtime.
Division 1 (5:30 p.m.)
Foothill def. Orange Lutheran
The Knights not only pulled off the upset Wednesday in the semifinals against Laguna Beach, they seemed to play at a new speed, tempo and physical presence defense. They simply didn’t back down to the two-time defending Division 1 champs one bit. And with an experienced senior goalie in the cage in Kenzie Snyder and a final appearance last season, this game sets up well for Foothill. Orange Lutheran is in its first final and appears to have a smaller margin of error. If the Lancers’ defend 2 meters and avoid a lot of exclusions, they have a chance. But Foothill will place pressure on that area and showed a counterattack and perimeter attack Wednesday to create enough scoring chances to win.
But no matter who takes the crown, it will be a great story for O.C. water polo. The powerhouse Foothill program finally back on top or the new kids breaking through with a lot of young talent and a boys program bracing to follow in the fall. Can’t wait until 5:30 p.m.
Related:
