CIF BOYS WATER POLO FINALS

Saturday
All matches at William Woollett Jr. Aquatics Center (adjacent to Irvine High)

DIVISION II

No. 2 JSerra (18-9) vs. No. 1 MATER DEI (25-5), 2:45 p.m.

Outlook: The top-seeded and defending champion Monarchs defeated second-seeded JSerra, 8-6, in what turned out to be the Trinity League championship match.

The score was tied at halftime but Alex Wherry sparked the Monarchs in the third period by scoring four of his match-five goals. On Wednesday, the senior ripped the net for seven goals in a 17-6 victory against Villa Park in the semifinals. But Mater Dei’s firepower doesn’t stop with multi-talented Wherry.

Sophomore attacker Bret Bonanni has 95 goals while center David Guibord has 50. Mater Dei’s focus, however, will likely be on defense.

JSerra’s showed its offensive capabilities in a 14-8 victory against Servite in the semifinals. Attacker Nick Santala led seven Lions in scoring with five goals.

Attacker Luke Hewko leads JSerra with 87 goals. Santala (65) and center Macrae Carden (55) round out the Lions’ top-three scorers. And like Mater Dei, JSerra’s focus will likely be on defense and how it defends Wherry. JSerra is making its first appearance in a CIF final while the Monarchs are playing in their third consecutive finale.

Prediction: Both teams have their share of sharp-shooters but defense decides this match. Mater Dei is the better defensive squad. JSerra will push Mater Dei into the fourth period this time but the Monarchs will follow Wherry's lead on both ends of the pool and claim a second consecutive championship.

In a postgame interview, Mater Dei coach Chris Segesman is asked about the Monarchs and the Trinity League being moved to Division I starting next season. Segesman responds, "We can't wait."

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