Water polo: It’s defense that gives Rapacz, Villa Park tourney title

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Defense was a premium on Saturday when Villa Park won the North-South Challenge at Atherton Sacred Heart Prep.

The Spartans, the top-ranked team in Southern Section Division II, won the title with a 5-3 victory over Agoura, the top-ranked team in Division IV.

Villa Park goalkeeper Matt Rapacz, a 6-foot-5 senior, was named the tournament’s most valuable player, and for good reason. He made 16 saves in the championship, including a fourth-quarter penalty shot. It was only the second loss of the season for Agoura (22-2).

Villa Park also allowed only three goals in its semifinal victory over La Canada.

The tournament featured eight teams from the North, and eight from the South.

One of the best Orange County rivalries is Newport Harbor and Corona del Mar. They played on Saturday, and Colin McKibbin and Clint Jorth scored four goals each in Newport Harbor’s 14-9 nonleague victory. The Sailors are ranked No. 1 in Division I, and CdM is ranked No. 5.

- Martin Henderson

-- Image from www.srsport.com