Capistrano Valley Edges University 11-10, La Habra Rolls in CIF Openers

Casey Becker scored on a rebound with one second remaining in the fourth quarter to lift Capistrano Valley past University 11-10 on Thursday in the first round of the CIF-SS Division 2 boys water polo playoffs.

Lucas Saman led the Cougars with five goals, and Becker and Seb Viloria added two apiece. The win marked Capistrano Valley's fifth consecutive postseason victory by a single goal, a streak that carries over from last season's Division 2 championship run under coach OJ Vazquez. The Cougars closed last year with four straight one-goal wins, including a 9-8 victory over Damien in the final for the program's first section title. Capistrano Valley, the third-place finisher in the South Coast League, improved to 16-12 and travels to El Segundo for the second round on Tuesday.

Niccolo Troccoli scored four goals for University (18-12), the third-place team in the Pacific Coast League, and goalie Brendon Van Erp made 11 saves.

In other Division 2 games, Dana Hills beat Long Beach Poly 13-10 at San Juan Hills. Gavin Calder scored six goals for the Dolphins (18-7), with Hutch Zeulner and Jake Powell adding three each. Dana Hills, the Sea View League champion, hosts fifth-seeded Damien on Tuesday. Northwood topped visiting Aliso Niguel 13-9 behind five goals from Ethan Bui and nine saves from Colin Rivera. The Timberwolves (18-12), an at-large entry from the Pacific Coast League, face La Habra on Tuesday. La Habra routed Glendora 23-8, with Carter Johnson scoring seven goals and Garrett Cardy and Caleb Gonzales adding five each. The Highlanders (19-8) play at Northwood on Tuesday.

In Division 3, Los Altos defeated Villa Park 10-8 at El Modena High. Michael Volmer broke an 8-8 tie with 12 seconds left in the third period, and the Conquerors (17-12) held the second-seeded Spartans (17-11) scoreless in the fourth quarter. Villa Park went 0-for-10 shooting in the final period, with several shots striking the post. Daniel Barr scored five goals for the Spartans, who finished first in the North Hills League.

Troy topped Xavier Prep 14-12 as Adam Rivera scored five goals for the Warriors (19-16). Troy plays at Brentwood on Tuesday in the second round.