Locals capture crown in Santa Barbara

The Laguna Beach 14-and-under girls’ water polo team captured first place Sunday at the Santa Barbara Memorial Cup in Santa Barbara. The age-group tournament had 67 teams competing in six divisions, with 16 teams vying for the 14U title.

Laguna started the tournament Saturday with a 14-5 win against Santa Barbara “C”. The locals then went on to win twice more that day, first defeating Foothill, 9-4, before rolling past Rose Bowl, 17-7, in the quarterfinals.

In Sunday’s semifinals, Laguna fell behind Commerce, 3-1, at the half but came up with a huge defensive effort in the second half and won, 6-4. Sunday’s final pitted Laguna against Santa Barbara “A” and Laguna took the championship by scoring an 8-3 victory.

The Laguna 14U team is: Bella Baldridge, Angelique Begay, Gabi Beren, Katya Cox-Kruger, Maia Borisoff, Hayley Evans, Ally Jochim, Sophia Lucas, Holly Parker, Natalie Selin and Thea Walsh.

Laguna next competes at the Winterfest Water Polo Tournament, Feb. 10-12.

— From Staff Reports