No. 1 Irvine Ends Slump by Defeating Marina

The top-ranked Irvine girls’ water polo team had struggled through a nerve-racking offensive slump.

After scoring only twice in the first half Tuesday against No. 5 Marina, Coach Scott Hinman questioned whether his team would ever break out of it.

The Vaqueros provided an emphatic answer, scoring nine times in the second half and defeating Marina, 11-5, in a nonleague showdown at Heritage Park.

Emi Umezawa, better known for her defensive prowess, provided the offensive spark for Irvine (10-1) with three goals in the third quarter--all from at or near mid-pool. It ended a three-game streak in which Irvine had not scored in double figures.

Hinman said the offensive outburst could prove to be a turning point for his team.

“We grew up in the second half,” Hinman said. “That second half was the best water polo we have played all season. Our front-court play and counter attacks were working, but we just weren’t finishing. Finally, the ball started going in the corners.”

Marina goalkeeper Sarah Mix stifled the Irvine offense with eight of her 11 saves in the first half and the Vikings (12-4) built a 3-2 lead.

But Irvine came out gunning in the second half, opting to shoot from long range on counter attacks instead of setting up the offense.

“The shots were there,” Hinman said. “The difference was in the second half we were prepared for them. Shooting wasn’t an afterthought.”

For Marina, defending Southern Section Division I champion, the loss is a barometer--but one not to be taken too seriously.

“This is a humbling loss, but it is legit,” Coach Dave Carlson said. “They’re just that much better than us right now, but we lost to [then top-ranked] Long Beach Wilson by five at this time last year.”

Marina defeated Wilson in the section Division I final.

Umezawa also had several key steals and shot deflections to keep Marina from making a run. Erin Lezak added three goals for the Vaqueros and goalkeeper Kelly Graff had nine saves.