Breakers Roundup: Breakers make history

Laguna’s boys’ cross-country team is rated second in the state in Division IV, and first in the CIF Southern Section. And it showed why Saturday at the Woodbridge Classic in a history-making race.

Senior Blake Hofmeister placed third in the varsity boys’ “rated” race, finishing in 14 minutes, 44 seconds on the three-mile course. Coach Dave Brobeck said it was the fastest three-mile cross-country time in school history. Only the late Eric Hulst, the standout runner in the mid-1970s and one of the best runners in Orange County history, may have run faster, but Brobeck said in those days cross-country courses were two miles long.

“That time really helps validate [Hofmeister] as a complete runner,” Brobeck said.

In addition, the Breakers finished with a team time of 1:16:56. They were third in the rated race competing against mostly Division I and II teams, and Brobeck said it was also the fastest team time in Laguna Beach school history.

“That was a really great performance to open the season,” he said. “Everyone was all smiles.”

Hofmeister was followed by senior teammates Tommy Newton-Neal in 18th (15:13) and junior Matt Neev in 25th (15:19).

As a team, the Breakers finished 14th out of 193 total teams in attendance. Also finishing for Laguna were Andrew Shapero (15:34), Sean Pigden (16:06), Jake Johnson (16:16) and Richard Mattingley (16:36).

Laguna is at the Stanford Invitational on Saturday in the Division IV race.

“Very seldom in back-to-back weeks do we run two hard races, two important races,” Brobeck said. “But we’re going up there to win it.”

The girls’ team also ran in the “rated” division at the Woodbridge Classic, and had several fast times, as well. Senior McKenna Nokes excelled with an 18:34, which Coach Steve Lalim said beat her previous best time by 1:20. The time was 32nd in the varsity girls’ rated race out of 137 harriers.

“She was competitive and ran with confidence,” Lalim said. “It’s a testament to her hard work and dedication throughout the summer and into the school year.”

Natasha Strickland (18:58), Marisa Merchant (19:34), Gerry Artman (19:47) and Beverly Ronses (20:38) also all ran personal-bests. Parker Yamasaki’s time of 19:25 was a course-best for her.

The team finished with a total time of 1:36:08. Kativa Strickland didn’t finish the race because of tenderness in her hip, but Lalim said she’s expected to be fine.

“We’re off to a good start, but better things are yet to come,” Lalim said.

Like the boys, the girls, ranked No. 5 in CIF Southern Section Division IV by DyeStatCal, heads north to the Stanford Invitational Saturday.

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BOYS’ WATER POLO

Laguna Beach placed seventh at the Riverside Invitational tournament over the weekend, yet the Breakers came away knowing they belong near the top of the CIF Southern Section Division III rankings.

The No. 4-ranked Breakers opened the tournament Sept. 17 with victories over South Pasadena (14-1) and Arlington (23-8). Then, in the quarterfinals of the tournament, they fell to Division III top-ranked Montebello, 11-9.

Spencer Dodson had a team-high three goals, while Nolan McConnell had two.

The Breakers then suffered a 12-11 defeat against Murrieta Valley, a game in which Laguna rallied late but fell in overtime. McConnell had four goals, three assists and four steals.

But Laguna Beach rebounded for a 7-6 victory over Riverside Poly, as McConnell and Dodson had two goals each. Robert Chew, Robbie Quellmalz and Zack Reigler also scored and Erik Henrikson had seven saves.

Next up is the South Coast Tournament, which began Thursday. The Breakers, who finished 14th in the 32-team tournament a year ago, are in the No. 4 seed in the Tustin bracket.

GIRLS’ GOLF

The Breakers had a successful start to their quest for a Golden West League championship Wednesday at Aliso Creek Golf Club.

Laguna Beach (3-2, 1-0) topped Costa Mesa, 226-298, on the par-32 course.

Senior Grace Komoroczy was back from a back injury and made her presence felt, firing a one-under-par that included three birdies.

Coach Val Quigley said it was the first time Komoroczy, who needed just 13 putts, had shot under-par playing at Laguna Beach.

“She did awesome,” Quigley said. “We were thrilled.”

Another standout was sophomore Taylor Weiss, whose round of 46 was her lowest of the season.

Weiss needed just 17 putts.

In previous action, Laguna (2-2) edged Sage Hill, 293-298, on Sept. 17 at the Breakers’ home course of Bella Collina in San Clemente.

Senior Jenni Coury had a particularly strong day with just 14 putts.

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GIRLS’ TENNIS

In their first close match of the season, the Breakers came up big Tuesday at San Clemente, taking the tight 10-8 decision.

Senior Maddie Jaeger swept at No. 1 singles for Laguna Beach (2-2) and freshman Taylor Nederlander won two sets, despite feeling sick.

The No. 1 doubles team of McKenna Nokes and Lauren Michaels also won a pair of sets, and it was their 7-6 victory over San Clemente No. 3 team of Kate McGangle and Erin Ballard that clinched the match. Alison Azera and Bianca Sganga also won twice at No. 2 doubles and the No. 3 team of Claire Jaeger and Haley Moss picked up a single set win.

Laguna Beach had an easier time of it Sept. 17, cruising to a 17-1 victory over Whitney. Nederlander and Michaels swept in singles and Jaeger also won a pair of sets before being subbed out.

“The singles starters played with amazing confidence, hitting shots from all over the court,” Coach Alec Horton said. “Big serves and forehands were the shots of the day.”

The doubles teams of Sganga and Azera, as well as Moss and Nokes, also dominated. At No. 3 doubles, Claire Jaeger won three times, twice with Lia Berger and once with sub Kate McMahon.

Laguna Beach played host to Edison Thursday and open Orange Coast League play Tuesday against Godinez, at Santa Ana Valley High.