Harvard Claims Water Polo Playoff Berth

Harvard High clinched its first Southern Section 3-A Division playoff berth in water polo with an 11-7 victory Friday over Mater Dei in a Del Rey League match at Mater Dei High.

Freshman Jim Toring had four goals and teammate Eric Deutsch added three for the Saracens (24-4 overall, 9-0 in league play), who are ranked fourth in the division. Goalie Antonio Gomez recorded eight saves.

Although Mater Dei (6-4 in league play) scored first, Harvard led, 7-2, at intermission and the outcome was never in question. “Even when they were ahead it wasn’t close,” Harvard Coach Rich Corso quipped.

But Corso, whose team moved up from the 2-A Division this season, has his sights on more than a league title.

“League wins are fine but what we’re really pointing toward is 12 days from now,” he said, referring to the opening playoff match.