THE TIMES’ RANKINGS

A final look at the top 10 girls’ water polo teams in the Southland:

1. Foothill (27-2, SS-Div. I)

The Knights won their third consecutive Southern Section Division I title with an 8-0 victory over Santa Margarita, the only team to defeat Foothill in the pool this season. The Knights’ other loss came via forfeit.

2. Santa Margarita (25-4, SS-Div. I)

The Eagles were at their best in a 7-6 victory over Foothill at the Irvine Southern California Invitational, but at their worst while being shut out by the same team in the Division I final.

3. Bell Gardens (33-1, SS-Div. III)

Patty Cardenas and Alex Lopez went 124-2 at Bell Gardens during their careers, which culminated with a fourth consecutive Division III title. Their loss this season came against El Toro in a quarterfinal of the Southern California Invitational.

4. Corona del Mar (25-7, SS-Div. IV)

The Sea Kings won the Division IV title with an 11-6 victory over Placentia El Dorado. Corona del Mar also reached the final of the Southern California Invitational, losing to Santa Margarita.

5. Newport Harbor (23-7, SS-Div. I)

The Sailors had to face some tough obstacles this season, losing to eventual champion Santa Margarita in a quarterfinal of the Southern California Invitational and to eventual champion Foothill in a semifinal of the Division I playoffs.

6. Long Beach Wilson (17-10, SS-Div. I)

The Bruins got typically hot in the postseason, knocking off Villa Park and El Toro before being stopped by Santa Margarita, 8-3, in a Division I semifinal. Wilson also had a key victory over Santa Barbara in the Southern California Invitational.

7. Santa Barbara (25-6, SS-Div. II)

The Dons ended their season on a high note, winning their fourth Division II title in the last five seasons with a strong defensive effort in a 9-1 victory over Channel League rival Ventura.

8. El Toro (20-9, SS-Div. I)

The Chargers didn’t measure up to the expectations placed on them after U.S. junior national player Lauren Heineck transferred in, but they did advance to the semifinals of the Southern California Invitational by upsetting Bell Gardens.

9. Arlington (24-7, SS-Div. V)

Arlington won its second consecutive Division V title with an 8-5 victory over Ivy League rival Riverside North. Arlington also won the consolation championship at the Santa Barbara Invitational.

10. Riverside North (22-7, SS-Div. V)

North played as well as any runner-up at the Southern Section finals, staying even with Arlington until being outscored, 3-0, in the third quarter.