Laguna records sweeps to defend title

Laguna began defense of its Orange Coast League title on Oct. 4 by defeating host Calvary Chapel, 16-2.

Sweeps were recorded by the Breakers’ top two singles players, Maddie Jaeger (6-0, 6-0, 6-1) and Haley Moss (6-1, 6-1, 6-1), and all three doubles teams, No. 1 Alison Azera/Sarah Russell (6-3, 6-4, 6-1), No. 2 Heather Tran/Alex Yates Robinson (6-0, 6-0, 6-0) and No. 3 Megan Moss/Bianca Sganga (6-3, 6-1, 7-6 (8-6).

On Tuesday, Laguna had an easy time with visiting Costa Mesa and swept the Mustangs, 18-0.

The Breakers stepped out of league play Wednesday to take on Sage Hill and the host Breakers pinned a 13-5 defeat on the Lighting.

Laguna begins the second-round of league play Tuesday (Oct. 16) with a home match against Calvary Chapel.

The Breakers also will play a league match at 3 p.m. Thursday (Oct. 18) at Costa Mesa.

In girls’ golf:

Laguna Beach upped its Golden West League record to 7-0 Tuesday by defeating host Orange, 240-251, at Riverview Golf Course (par 34) in Santa Ana.

Earning medal honors was Melissa Mahi, who shot 42.

The Breakers are now 8-1 overall.

Orange slipped to 4-3 in league.

“Currently, our girls are playing consistent, solid golf with their individual scoring averages trending lower, which is great timing for us because we play all our remaining important matches on the road,” Breakers Coach Valorie Quigley said.

“The girls knew that they had to elevate their games for the match against Orange at Riverview because the course requires good shot making, with a lot of elevation changes and hazards.

“We had three girls shoot in the 40s, Katrina Shaw, Lexy Altman and Caitlin Barretto, and we posted our second lowest team score of the year. The win over Orange got us over the first of two big hurdles we face if we are going to capture our first ever league title in girls golf. The second hurdle is Estancia.”

The Breakers will attempt to clear that second hurdle Tuesday (Oct. 16) when they tee-off at 2 p.m. at Mesa Linda Golf Course against host Estancia.

Laguna defeated the Eagles back on Sept. 26.

“Our match next Tuesday against Estancia is going to be absolutely great,” Quigley said. “Our teams match up well against each other and it’s probably the biggest match our league has had in several years. Lately, Estancia has been the dominant girls golf team in the Golden West League and they’re the defending league champions, so I’m sure their girls can’t wait to get us on their home course.

“I expect our girls will have to come up with their best performance of the year in order to win. Our girls are ready. Since our first win over Estancia earlier in the year, our girl’s confidence and belief in themselves has grown each week, which is great to see as a coach. They truly believe they can compete with and beat Estancia, and we’re looking forward to that test. Let’s just hope that the little white ball bounces our way next Tuesday.”

In boys’ water polo:

Laguna has won three-straight games to begin defense of its Orange Coast League title.

The Breakers made host Sage Hill victim No. 3 Wednesday by defeating the Lightning, 10-6, at Corona del Mar High.

The match went back-and-forth for the first three quarters before Laguna pulled ahead to stay early in the fourth quarter.

Pierre Masson scored six goals, netting three in each of the first and fourth quarters. Nathan McConnell scored both of his goals in the third quarter. David Brunner and Victor Alcone each added single goals.

Goalie Warren Murrel’s 12 blocks were key to the victory and he was fronted by a strong defensive effort turned in by McConnell, Brunner, Alcone, Robert Chew and Max Munoz.

Laguna returns to the pool Saturday (Oct. 13) for a 1 p.m. nonleague game at Newport Harbor.

The Sailors are ranked No. 1 in the CIF-Southern Section Division I poll.

The Breakers also will host Aliso Niguel at 4 p.m. Tuesday (Oct. 16) in another nonleague match before resuming league play at 4 p.m. Wednesday (Oct. 17) at Estancia.

CIF weekly rankings:

Girls’ Volleyball

Division II-AA: 1. Laguna Beach; 2. Corona del Mar; 3. Bishop Montgomery; 4. Ayala; 5. University; 6. La Habra; 7. Irvine; 8. Walnut; 9. Oxnard; 10. Glendora.

Boys’ Water Polo

Division II: 1. Villa Park; 2. Servite; 3. Mater Dei; 4. Ventura; 5. Riverside Poly; 6. Santa Barbara; 7. Mission Viejo; 8. Laguna Beach; 9. Dana Hills; 10. Dos Pueblos.

*Note: No rankings were recorded this week for girls’ and boys’ cross-country. The rankings will next be posted on Oct. 17.

Entering the week, Laguna’s girls were ranked fourth and boys’ No. 6 in their respective Division IV polls.