Laguna falls to Comanches

Canyon High blew open a tight game with Laguna Beach in the second

half of Tuesday’s opening round action of the Taco Company Tournament

at Loara High and went on to post a 56-40 victory in the season

opener for both schools.

Laguna hung tough with Canyon through the first half and trailed,

21-16, at the intermission.

The Comanches, however, gained control of the game in the third

quarter, where they outscored the Breakers, 15-5, to forge a 36-21

lead heading into the fourth quarter.

Laguna’s Ivan Kovacevic tied for game-high scoring honors with 15

points.

Michael Kote was the other Breaker to score in double figures with

11 points.

In girls’ water polo Tuesday, Laguna swam past host Brea-Olinda,

15-12, in the season opener for both teams.

The Breakers grabbed a 5-1 lead through after one quarter but the

Wildcats fought back to pull to within 8-6 at the half.

“We tried to do a few different things and that allowed them

[Brea] to get back into the game,” Laguna Coach Rick McKee said. “We

tried different subbing schemes and swapping out players. Some of

those tactics worked, and some didn’t.”

Laguna’s Addison Doud burned the net for a match-best nine goals.

Breanna Duplisea and Jessica McKee each scored twice and Kat

Gordon and Allison Wallis each scored once to complete Laguna’s

scoring.

Keeper Alana Thomson came up with 10 saves.

“For an opener, it was great,” McKee said. “The girls work hard

and care about winning. They are aware of the expectations and

potential here, and they’re working hard to meet those standards.”

Laguna returns to action today for a 4 p.m. nonleague match

against Santa Margarita at Saddleback College.

In girls’ soccer Tuesday, Laguna had its season opener spoiled by

visiting Tustin, which posted a 5-0 nonleague victory at Guyer Field.

The Breakers will host St. Margaret’s today at 4:45 p.m.