OC Varsity » Troy water polo

Boys water polo finals: Troy loses in Division V

DAN ALBANO, ocvarsity.com — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 20:22:02 +0000

Final score: Los Osos 9, Troy 7. This one didn't feel as close as the final score indicates. Los Osos was faster, stronger on defense and took higher quality shots. I also saw Troy take enough lob shots to last me the rest of the day.

Let's hope the Division I and Division II finalists bring the heat with their shots and make goalies and defenses make plays. Still, Troy had a great season in making its first ever section final. With Stedman and Barry back next season, the Warriors will strong and could build off this season.

Maiden trips in the final finals can be tough.

Third period

Los Osos leads Troy, 7-3, after three periods. The Warriors are hanging tough on defense but their offense is leaving a lot to be desired. Troy is coming up empty on tons of lob shots and doesn't have an even-strength goal.

Second period

Los Osos leads Troy, 6-2, at halftime. The Warriors scored a pair of man-advantage chances to cut the deficit to 4-2 but the Grizzlies answered with two more strikes. Los Osos fans briefly had "Boo" signs up but they have more to cheer about .

First period

Los Osos leads Troy, 3-0, after the first period in the Division V final. Los Osos has two counterattack goals and looks tough on defense. Warriors are not getting good looks. Los Osos looks strong on defense but Troy also is not being patient om offense. Josh Stedman took one shot in the period, a lob under heavy coverage.

Albano's polo predictions: Troy vs. Los Osos

DAN ALBANO, ocvarsity.com — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 01:40:50 +0000

SATURDAY'S DIVISION V FINAL

TROY (27-5) VS. LOS OSOS (27-5)

Site, time: William Woollett Jr. Aquatics Center (adjacent to Irvine High), noon

Prediction: Josh Stedman draws plenty of attention from Los Osos but actually is slowed down. But the Warriors still capture their first title because of their depth and defense.

Albano's playoff predictions: Whittier-Troy

DAN ALBANO, ocvarsity.com — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 08:16:10 +0000

Wednesday

Division V second round

Whittier (12-7) vs. Troy (24-5) at El Dorado, 3:15 p.m.

Prediction: The Warriors are seeded third but we'll learn a lot more about them with how they handle this tricky second round match. Whittier is a name program in the Southern Section and usually plays a decent schedule. Third in the Del Rio Lg, Whittier handled a second-place team in Charter Oak, 11-5, on the road in the first round Tuesday. But fear not, Troy Faithful. The Warriors own a 10-3 victory against Whittier already this season and went 1-1 against Del Rio champ La Serna. Troy has the county's leading scorer in Josh Stedman and leader in saves in Clark Barry. The Warriors have more than enough to reach the quarterfinals for the first time.