San Clemente Edges Dana Hills in Girls Water Polo

The San Clemente girls water polo team jumped to an early three-goal lead over its longtime rival Dana Hills, but the Tritons had to rely on some late heroics by their goalkeeper before putting away a 10-8 victory in a nonleague match Wednesday at Dana Hills High.

In the first game of the season for the former South Coast League rivals, the Tritons took a 4-1 lead after the first quarter and were ahead at halftime, 6-3.

Dana Hills, which this season will play in the Sea View League, fought back and outscored San Clemente, 4-3, in the third quarter by taking advantage of several man-up situations after forcing ejections.

The Dolphins cut their deficit to 9-8 late in the fourth quarter, but San Clemente junior goalkeeper Kayla Colapinto came up with three of her eight saves in the final 90 seconds, during which the Tritons added a goal for the final score.

"I get really focused and excited when I block it," Colapinto said. "I play better the more times I block the ball."

Said Triton coach Logan Powell: "Kayla came up huge for us blocking a few inside water shots and played an overall great game."

Colleen McNaught had four goals and two assists for Dana Hills (0-1), and Emily Carlson added three goals, one assist and three steals. Allison Leibold had one goal and two assists. Morgan Sherman had an assist and Amanda Anderson one steal.

Bailey Kinsey had nine saves in goal for Dana Hills, which came into the game ranked No. 3 in the CIF-Southern Section Division IV coaches' preseason poll.

Kelsey Thornton led the Tritons (1-0), ranked No. 2 in Division II, with three goals. Celine Lazzaro, Mikaela Mourer and Candyce Schroeder each scored twice, and Mallory McCammon had one goal.