SERVITE (14-18) vs. No. 2 seed JSERRA (17-9)

Site, time: William Woollett Jr. Aquatics Center, Irvine, 5 p.m.

Outlook: These rivals just clashed about two weeks ago. The Lions defeated the Friars, 9-7, in a Trinity

League finale for second place. Servite played JSerra close despite being without its Coach Mustafa Hassan, who was serving a one-game suspension for a red card. Last season in the semifinals, Servite beat JSerra, 9-7, after falling to JSerra in league, 6-4. The Friars have advanced thanks to strong defensive efforts against San Clemente (5-4) and third-seeded Long Beach Wilson (8-7). The Friars have a strong 2-meter defender in Spencer Van Horne and a hot goalie in Jaysen Johnson (22 saves in last two games). Servite’s offense has received a boost from the emergence of attackers Jason Varela and Michael Carrillo and center Matthew Cocchi.

JSerra has three players with more than 50 goals in attackers Luke Hewko and Nick Santala and center Macrae Carden. The Lions also are playing solid defense. They’ve allowed only 10 goals in two playoff matches. JSerra is seeking its first trip to a section final.

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