OCVarsity’s Dan Albano offers his predictions on the CIF girls water polo matches Tuesday:
Division 2
Wild card
Santa Barbara def. Troy — The Warriors are rebuilding with their new on-campus pool while the fourth-seeded Dons (14-13) are battled-tested courtesy of the Channel League, one of the toughest groups in the section. The traditionally-strong Dons should win this road game as the No. 4 seed in the bracket and then head Thursday to Murrieta Valley for a first-round game.
Santa Margarita def. Huntington Beach — The Oilers are 3-11 all-time in the postseason but expect them to give the the third-seeded Eagles a push. Two years ago, they lost at Santa Margarita, 13-10, in the playoffs, so Huntington Beach knows what it’s getting into. The winner heads to Riverside Poly on Thursday. Santa Margarita owns two three-goal victories against Poly.
Division 3
Wild card
Rosary def. Bonita — The Royals finished fifth in the final Division 3 poll and already own a 13-2 victory against Bonita. Rosary should hit the road again Thursday for Rio Mesa.
Dana Hills def. Palm Desert – Neither team figured in the final Division 3 rankings. The Dolphins are 12-16 but should win a tight game at home. Palm Desert’s roster is young. Dana Hills junior Lauren Bellavia is a player to watch. She plays for the SET club and helps lead the Dolphins with 60 goals, 40 assists, 60 steals and 72 drawn exclusions.
Villa Park def. Warren – The Spartans narrowly missed second place in the Crestview but should grab this road victory. They already beat Warren, 11-3.
Division 4
Wild card
Ocean View def. Westridge –– Neither team was ranked in final Division 4 poll but OV’s Leyna Tran is a scorer to watch.
Esperanza def. Yucaipa — The Aztecs placed ninth in the final Division 4 poll. They also won 17 games after a 0-5 start. First-year Coach Ashley Diaz nabs her first postseason victory.
Palos Verdes def. Beckman — Third-seeded PV should sink visiting Beckman.
Brea Olinda def. Xavier Prep — Host Brea Olinda and goalie Meghan Lopez advance.
Irvine at Chaparral – It’s a long trip for the Vaqueros but Coach Crystal Hinman and Co. bring home the win.
Division 6
First round
Savanna def. Citrus Valley – The Rebels have been steady against fair competition but knock off the No. 9 team in the division.
Garden Grove def. Santa Fe – The host Argos collect their 17th victory of the season.
Tustin def. Webb — Tillers hit the road but are talented enough with goalie Kalypso Fish and Dana Twisk to post the victory.