Harvard Begins 2-A Title Drive in Water Polo

Harvard High, which has not played since Oct. 28, begins its quest to return to the Southern Section 2-A Division water polo final when the Saracens open the playoffs Thursday at home against San Dimas.

The Saracens, an independent team, are 22-3 and the tournament’s top-seeded team. San Dimas placed third in the Valle Vista League.

Last season, in Coach Rich Corso’s second year, Harvard lost in the 2-A final.

In the 3-A Division, Royal (15-6) opens at 3:15 today at home against Crespi, which finished third in the Del Rey League. Despite 8 consecutive Marmonte League titles, the Highlanders have never advanced beyond the second round of the playoffs.

Crespi is the most recent Valley team to win a Southern Section water polo title. The Celts won the 2-A championship in 1981.

In other playoff matches involving Valley-area 3-A teams (all games are at 3:15 p.m.): Thousand Oaks visits Santa Monica, Westlake is at Costa Mesa, Capistrano Valley plays at Glendale, and Crescenta Valley meets Palos Verdes.

Agoura plays at Burbank in a 2-A Division match Thursday.