CIF-SS BOYS WATER POLO SEMIFINALS

Wednesday, Nov. 18

DIVISION I

No. 4 seed EL TORO (27-3) vs. No. 1 LOYOLA (31-0)

Site, time: John C. Argue Swim Stadium, Los Angeles, 3:15 p.m.

Outlook: The Chargers are playing their best water polo of the season. They’ve won a

season-high 13 consecutive matches, including an impressive 16-7 victory against fifth-seeded Dos Pueblos in the quarterfinals. Loyola is one of three teams to have defeated El Toro. The Cubs posted an 8-5 victory in the finals of the South Coast Tournament in late September. In the match, Loyola’s Nikola Vavic earned two early fouls on his U.S. junior national teammate, Nick Rascon of El Toro. Rascon finished without a goal and the Chargers finished with their lowest goal-output of the season. Rascon and teammate Russell Renteria have combined for 214 goals, earning the nickname, "R & R Boys." Both are difficult matchups because of their speed on the counterattack and offensive versatility. El Toro goalie Garrett Danner also has been a major contributor with 298 saves. The aggressive sophomore has made dozens of steals and key passes to fuel the counterattack.

The left-handed Vavic, son of USC coach Jovan Vavic, is a dangerous shooter but also a gifted passer. Loyola has a strong senior center in Max Hurst-Mendoza, who like Renteria, can overpower a defense at 2 meters. But Loyola also plays three U.S. youth teamers in Matthew Schwartz, Jamie Kuprenas and goalie Clayton Evans. Danner and Renteria also are youth team players.

El Toro coach Don Stoll and Loyola coach Erik Healy have said defense will be critical. After El Toro erupted for nine counterattack goals against Dos Pueblos, Loyola certainly will need to be ready in transition. “Defense is going to win the game,” Stoll said. The Chargers are seeking to reach their third Division I final in four seasons. Loyola is looking to reach its first CIF final.

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