Briefs: Leach commits to Long Beach State

Corona del Mar High senior boys’ water polo Hayden Leach has signed with Long Beach State, CdM Coach Barry O’Dea confirmed.

Leach was a key defender for the CIF Southern Section Division II champion Sea Kings. He had a steal in the final minute to help preserve an 11-10 victory over Murrieta Valley in the Division II title game.

Leach, a Daily Pilot Dream Team and first-team All-Pacific Coast League selection, scored 53 goals his senior year.

The 49ers, who finished 7-15 last fall, have two former Sea Kings in Brian Schiefer and Carter Taylor. Assistant coach Kyle Gorham is also a former assistant coach at CdM.

— Matt Szabo

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UCI’s Cardey shines

UC Irvine sophomore attacker Jessy Cardey was named Big West Confernce Co-Player of the Week in women’s water polo recently.

Cardey collected 10 goals to help the Anteaters finish 3-1 in a weekend tournament at UC San Diego on Feb. 12 and 13. She also had four assists as UCI finished fifth.

She shared the honor with Christie Clark of UC Santa Barbara.

UC Irvine was 8-7 heading into a nonconference game Saturday at UCLA.

— From staff reports