South All-Stars Are Too Quick

Although team speed was a key factor, the South took its time before putting away the North, 12-9, in the Orange County All-Star water polo game Sunday at El Toro High.

Both offenses were sluggish and the fourth quarter began with the South leading, 5-4. But the teams combined for 12 goals in the fourth quarter with the South taking control by scoring five consecutive goals in three minutes to take a 10-4 lead.

“Our team speed was the difference and I think the North just got a little tired,” said South Coach John Wright of Marina.

Nine of the 12 field players for the South scored. Costa Mesa’s Rob Grayeli scored three goals and Corona del Mar’s Jeff Marchiolatti scored twice.

Costa Mesa teammates Ryan Dandy and Sean Hylton also scored, but Hylton’s defense also contributed to the victory.

After Servite’s Jerry Smith scored his three goals in the first half to keep the North even, 3-3, Wright put the 6-foot-7 Hylton on Smith in the third quarter. The North would only score once in the next 10 1/2 minutes.

The South scored four goals on six-on-five situations in the fourth quarter and two more on four-meter penalty shots. Although Foothill’s Brian Brown scored twice in the final 2 1/2 minutes, the North never got closer than three.