The @jserra_boys_water_polo team and the Newport Harbor Sailors put forth a tough, physical battle for the CIF-SS Open Division Championship on Saturday, with the Sailors grinding out an 8-6 victory at Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut.
Newport Harbor tallied the first three goals of the contest to grab a 3-0 lead at the end of the first period.
Junior Dylan Park produced the Lions first score of the game with 5:03 remaining in the second period, with junior Lars Knepper adding two scoring strikes in the final 1:35 of the half, which ended with the Sailors holding a 6-3 lead.
Defense dominated a scoreless third period.
Senior goalie Gianni Alessio produced five saves in the opening 4:30 of the period, including a fantastic five-meter save, to help keep the Lions within a three-goal deficit heading into the fourth period.
Junior Christian Yonker trimmed the margin to 6-4 with 6:07 remaining, as he powered in a goal off an assist from junior Andrew Schneider.
Newport Harbor re-established a three-goal lead with 1:39 left.
Senior Cayden Taylor added two near post scoring strikes in the final 1:19, but Newport Harbor closed out a two-goal victory.
Alessio finished with nine saves.
JSerra (19-7) will find out its’ fate for the CIF State Regional Playoffs when the brackets are announced on Sunday.
📸: @dylanstw__
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