Marina’s Golfers Forfeit Six Matches

Huntington Beach Marina’s girls’ golf team, ranked No. 1 in the Southland by The Times, has to forfeit six matches, including five in league, for using an academically ineligible player, Marina Coach Frank Ruotolo said Friday.

The Vikings, unbeaten before the forfeits and among the favorites for a Southern Section title, might miss the playoffs because the forfeits drop them into fourth place at 5-5 in the Sunset League. Only the top three teams in each league earn playoff berths.

Ruotolo said he has petitioned the Southern Section for a berth into the playoffs, which begin Nov. 5. Southern Section Commissioner Jim Staunton, who is attending meetings in San Francisco this weekend, is expected to rule on the petition Monday.

Fountain Valley, which finished fourth in the league, will receive the third-place entry into the playoffs because of the forfeit victory.

Marina officials reported the error to the Southern Section when they determined that a player called up from the junior varsity did not meet academic requirements, Ruotolo said. The Vikings’ overall record drops from 15-0 to 9-6. Anaheim Esperanza, which finished second in the Sunset League, was awarded the league title.