GIRLS’ WATER POLO

Rosary will get one of its biggest challenges of the season when it hosts Bell Gardens at Servite High at 4 p.m. Thursday. Bell Gardens, winner of consecutive section titles, is one of the section’s elite teams.

“There should be a division for Bell Gardens and then Division I,” said Rosary Coach Todd Sprague, whose own teams have won consecutive section titles. “They are in a class by themselves.”

And the Royals may be without their top player, Natalie Golda, who has been working out with the U.S. national team.

“Maybe we can reschedule the game,” Sprague said. “Or maybe we’ll get embarrassed. We’ll see.”

The county’s highlight match features second-ranked Villa Park hosting fourth-ranked Santa Margarita at 4 on Tuesday.

Villa Park is led by Kristyn Pulver, two-time Century League player of the year. It will be a good test for Santa Margarita, which has high hopes with Jamie Kroeze returning and freshman Erica Figge leading a talented group of newcomers.