The562’s coverage of water polo & swimming is sponsored by the Aquatic Capital of America Foundation.
The562’s coverage of Long Beach Wilson Athletics is sponsored by Joel Bitonio, Class of 2009.
Five years ago, Wilson girls’ water polo rode the momentum created by an aggressive defense and hot goaltender to the first CIF Southern Section championship in program history.
The Bruins are trying to repeat the feat Saturday at Woollett Aquatics Center in Irvine when they face Santa Margarita in the Division 1 championship game.
“It’s a total team effort right now,” said Wilson coach Barry O’Dea, who won that 2008 championship in his first year on the job. “And even to our group that’s in practice, the JV girls who are playing up, they’re doing such a good job in practice putting things in place for us to play against. And then they get in and they know what they’re doing. It’s just good stuff all the way around, I’m really happy with the program right now.”
Santa Margarita (17-11) is the third-place finisher out of the Trinity League. The Eagles beat ML King 13-10 in the semifinals, and edged Dos Pueblos 7-6 in the quarterfinals.
This is the third time Wilson and Santa Margarita will play this season. The Bruins won 8-5 on Jan. 13, and beat the Eagles 11-10 on Jan. 28.
The Wilson defense and goalie Charlotte Echlin have only given up seven goals in two playoff games.
The Bruins are the top seed in the bracket and enjoyed a bye in the first round before dominating San Clemente 12-4 in the quarterfinals. Wilson then beat Yucaipa 13-3 in the semifinals.
CLICK HERE for tickets to the championship game.
