Laguna, CdM renew rivalry

No. 1 vs. No. 1.

On the final day of the regular season today, two longtime rivals who head the top two divisions in CIF girls’ water polo go head-to-head when Laguna Beach (24-3) takes on Corona del Mar (24-1).

Opening sprint is 3:15 p.m. at the CdM pool.

“We schedule this game every year to keep the rivalry going,” Laguna Coach Ethan Damato said. “Our group of girls has been playing their senior group of girls for several years now, so they know one another and are good friends. There’s no secrets out there.

“CdM has all the tools of a great team, and this game will be a good gauge for us to see where we are as we head into the playoffs.”

Corona del Mar made a short but important move in this week’s Division I poll, going from second to first after winning the big Irvine Southern California Championships at the William J. Woollett Jr. Aquatics Center.

The Sea Kings won the title by downing Dos Puelos, the previous No. 1 team in Division I, 8-7, in Saturday’s final.

Laguna, meanwhile, is No. 1 in the Division II poll. The Breakers took fifth-place at the championships Saturday by routing Foothill, 15-2. Annika Dries scored six goals to power Laguna to the impressive win.

The Breakers’ lone tournament loss came in overtime last Friday to Newport Harbor, 10-9.

In addition to defeating Foothill, Laguna scored tournament victories over Canyon (15-1), El Toro (17-6) and Montebello (9-8).

Laguna concluded its third consecutive perfect Orange Coast League season Wednesday by dominating Costa Mesa, 20-6. The Breakers led, 13-1, at the half, and 10 players got into the scoring act.

Dries led the attack with four goals. Yoshi Andersen and Taylor Dodson both scored three goals, Melena Masson, Jessie Holechek and Kaitlin Waidly all scored twice and Natasha Shulman, Lexie Ross, Jessica Shusko and Clara Ross all scored a goal.

Etianne Manetta had seven saves and Sarah Zuziak added two saves.

Next week, Laguna begins its quest for a CIF championship. The playoff pairings will be announced Monday. The Breakers will host a first-round game Thursday.