Division II quarterfinals

Villa Park (22-7) vs. Servite (18-3), at Joint Forces Training Base, noon

Prediction: The water polo Gods have smiled upon fans with a classic quarterfinal match. The defending champion Spartans own 11-7 and 12-11 (OT) victories against the Friars. The latter match is the better read of how close these teams really are. Villa Park played without Scott Brush but still led 9-5 going into the fourth. The host Friars then got hot in the fourth. This time, the match stays closer the entire way. Brush is no longer on the team per coach's decision, Villa Park athletic director Tom Fox confirmed. But in the end, this match comes down to Josh Samuels vs. Cruz Smithson, a pair of SOCAL club teammates. Smithson and the Friars show well but Samuels will be much too fresh not to meet the challenge. Villa Park wins a close match in regulation to reach a semifinal date against JSerra.

Division II second round

Servite (17-3) vs. Mission Viejo (16-11) at Capistrano Valley, 6:45 p.m.

Prediction: The Friars hit the road again and face a senior-dominated Mission Viejo squad. Co-champs of the South Coast, the Diablos are well-balanced and have a standout in lefty Andrew Baker. But Servite also is very solid and has a star in center Cruz Smithson. In mid-October, Mission Viejo measured itself against one Servite's rivals, Mater Dei, and were in the match at halftime before falling, 11-4. Servite's inside-outside attack will be too much for the Diablos and the Friars will advance to play Villa Park for a third time.