Marina Makes for Tough Divisional

Huntington Beach Marina is in the playoffs and that means the Southern Team Divisional playoff today at Green River Golf Course in Corona will be that much tougher.

Already the strongest of the three Divisional playoffs, the Southern has four teams ranked in The Times’ top-10 and two others that have made appearances in the rankings. But since only five teams advance to the Southern Section finals, a few good teams will be ousted.

“There are already a bunch of really good teams in there,” said Tracy Roberts, coach of Sea View League champion Woodbridge. “The sad part is that some good teams won’t advance.”

Marina, ranked No. 1 in the Southland by The Times’, was in danger of not making the playoffs when it had to forfeit six matches for using an academically ineligible player. The losses dropped Marina to fourth place in the Sunset League and out of an automatic playoff berth.

But the Sunset League voted last week to enter Marina because third-place Los Alamitos did not meet the Southern Section criteria for playoff entry. The section requires third-place entries to have shot nine-hole scores of 240 or better six times during the regular season.

That makes Marina, No. 4 Esperanza, No. 5 Dana Hills and No. 10 Villa Park--playing on its home course--favorites for the title. But don’t count out Woodbridge, Serra League champion Rosary or Pacific Coast League champion Northwood.

“It’s completely up for grabs,” Roberts said. “It’s a deep region and the spots are gonna go to whoever plays well that day.”

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The Northern Divisional will also be competitive, with No. 6 Camarillo, No. 7 Peninsula and No. 9 Harvard-Westlake in the mix for the title and Goleta Dos Pueblos not far behind.

Give the edge to Camarillo, led by Katrina Sutton. Camarillo also plays some of its home matches at Las Posas Country Club in Camarillo, site of the tournament. Harvard-Westlake, runner-up in three consecutive Southern Section championships, has the experience needed for a playoff run.

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In the Central Divisional, No. 2 Palm Desert, No. 3 Long Beach Wilson and No. 8 Redondo Union will battle for the title and should easily finish among the top five at Seven Hills Golf Club in Hemet.

Redlands and Alhambra Mark Keppel appear to be the favorites for the final two berths..

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THE TIMES’ RANKINGS

1. Huntington Beach Marina (9-6, SS-Sunset)

Vikings must put controversy behind them and just play.

2. Palm Desert (17-0, SS-Desert Valley)

League individual champion Ashley Forbes led a top-five sweep for Aztecs.

3. Long Beach Wilson (13-0, SS-Moore)

Matchup with Palm Desert in Central Divisional is good test for both teams.

4. Anaheim Esperanza (17-1, SS-Sunset)

Looking to settle score with Marina once and for all.

5. Dana Hills (16-0, SS-South Coast)

Dolphins had three of the top four finishers in league finals.

6. Camarillo (14-0, SS-Pacific View)

Four-time league champions looking to take it another step.

7. Palos Verdes Peninsula (13-0, SS-Bay)

Top four players are averaging 42 or better for the season.

8. Redondo Union (14-0, SS-Ocean)

New scoring format hurts Sea Hawks, who struggle beyond formidable top three.

9. Harvard-Westlake (14-0, SS-Mission)

Perennial bridesmaids have finished second in section finals three consecutive years.

10. Villa Park (16-2, SS-Century)

Home course advantage will help, playing in strongest divisional field won’t.