Poway Dominates Coronado

Although it didn’t count toward a league title or determine a playoff spot, Poway scored a 10-4 victory over Coronado in the biggest water polo match of the season Friday at the Jewish Community Center.

Poway (22-3) and four-time defending champ Coronado (18-4) have met for the 3-A San Diego Section title each of the past three years. The graduation of nine seniors last year took its toll on the Islanders, who trailed 5-0 before Matt Finley scored the first of his four goals.

“The kids played a little tentatively, but they were real nervous,” Coronado Coach Randy Burgess said. “We got it out of the way one way or the other; I think they felt the burden of carrying on the tradition.”

Erik Opstad scored five goals for Poway and Mike Morrill added three. Matt Swanson had 15 saves for the Titans, who are now likely to be the No. 1 seed in the 3-A playoffs. Coronado probably will be No. 2.