The562’s coverage of Aquatic sports in Long Beach is sponsored by the Aquatic Capital of America Foundation.
The562’s coverage of Cabrillo Athletics is sponsored by the Cohn Family.
It wasn’t long ago that simply winning a CIF Southern Section playoff game was a big deal for Cabrillo boys’ water polo. That time has certainly passed, and after reaching the Division 5 semifinals last year for just the second time in program history, the Jaguars have their sights set higher than just surviving and advancing.
Cabrillo got off to a hot start on Tuesday against Kennedy in the first round, but miscues allowed the visitors to make it much closer than it needed to be. Cabrillo would end up holding on for an 11-9 victory in a game they led 8-2 at halftime.
“We did what we had to do, we got the victory, I just wish we didn’t make some of those sloppy mistakes,” Cabrillo coach Lawrence Durand said. “With some of the accolades we’ve gotten, there is more pressure, but we have to have that self discipline and that’s what is going to bring us playoff victories. Just remembering what to do and executing.”
Kris Mendoza scored the first four goals of the game for Cabrillo and the Jaguars defense did enough to protect that early lead. Goalkeeper Beto Salazar had 11 saves while Jacob Jacinto filled the stat sheet with five steals, three goals and three assists.
“We need to work on the fundamental mistakes we made but if we do that we can go far,” Mendoza added. “In their set defense he was letting me get in front, and at times the other defenders were just looking around. They weren’t being proactive, I was somewhat surprised (I was that open). Finishing was just the fundamentals and sealing the other players off so they couldn’t do anything.”
When Kennedy scored its first goal to make it 6-1 in the second quarter, Jacinto scored the next three goals for Cabrillo to maintain the cushion. He also had the majority of his steals in the second half.
“I had to play with finesse and make sure I wasn’t fouling,” Jacinto said of his disciplined defending.
The Jaguars led by three or more goals until Kennedy scored three in the final two minutes.
“The press and adjustments on the drives were working well, but with the lead and soft press they got a little confused,” Durand said. “We’re lucky they didn’t score more.”
Gary Romero also dished out three assists in the second half for Cabrillo.
The Jaguars will face Milken at the UCLA Student Activities Center Pool on Thursday. Cabrillo beat Milken 13-7 in the first round of the playoffs last season.
