GIRLS WATER POLO SECTION FINALS

By MICHAEL ITAGAKI

March 2, 1998 12 AM PT

No. 1 Long Beach Wilson (27-0) vs. No. 2 Marina (23-5)

8:15 T0NIGHT

BELMONT PLAZA

Last fall, Wilson Coach Ricardo Azevedo led the Bruins to the Division I boys’ water polo title and now he’s looking for a sweep in the Division I girls’ final. Marina is eager for the challenge, especially after Wilson won the teams’ last meeting, 6-4, in overtime, in the final of the Irvine Southern California Championships. “Everyone knows, hands down, that Wilson is the best team,” Marina Coach Dave Carlson said. “We just wanted one more chance to try and upset them.” The Vikings will need strong defensive performances from Jenny Lamb, freshman Cara Chlebicki and Candice Chick to have a shot.

KEY PLAYERS

Wilson

Brianne Barth, senior, utility

Jenny Stuart, senior, two meters

Kelsey Whalen, junior, goalkeeper

Marina

Candice Chick, senior, goalkeeper

Jenny Lamb, senior, utility

Rebecca Miller, senior, two meters

No. 1 Rosary (23-7) vs. No. 2 University (21-9)

4 TODAY

BELMONT PLAZA

These Division III finalists have demolished the competition to reach this game, combining to outscore their opponents, 104-34. They meet for the first time today. Not only does this final feature the two top teams in the division, it also features two players who probably will duel for player of the year honors. Rosary’s Julia Wald and University’s Erin Hayes are dominant at two meters and each has scored 23 goals in four playoff games. Rosary, which finished the season ranked fifth in Orange County (University was unranked), has been heavily favored to win this division since the beginning of the season.

KEY PLAYERS

Rosary

Natalie Golda, sophomore, utility

Julie Henn, junior, two meters

Julia Wald, senior, two meters

University

Jennifer Hallman, junior, driver

Erin Hayes, senior, two meters

Amy Hilts, junior, goalkeeper

Today

Southern Section finals At Long Beach Belmont Plaza

Division I