Newport rising in Sunset

NEWPORT BEACH — When the Newport Harbor High girls’ water polo team joined the Sunset League this year, it was a new league but the same expectations.

Just like they were in the Sea View League, the Sailors aim to be on top.

They took a big step in that direction with Wednesday’s 7-4 win over Los Alamitos at Newport Harbor High. Newport Harbor is now 2-0 in league, tied with Edison.

But it’s No. 7-ranked Los Alamitos that’s the only other team in the league ranked in CIF Southern Section Division I.

“Our coach [Bill Barnett] was really preparing us for this game,” said the Sailors’ Jillian Chiapuzio, who scored her team’s first two goals. “He said it was the game of the year, because we had to have it if we want to win league. They’re really good competition.”

So Newport Harbor (8-4) upped its intensity level and held the Griffins scoreless in the first half. Much of that was thanks to goalie Morgan Vickers, who had 10 of her 15 saves in the first two quarters.

“That ball was mine,” Vickers said with a smile. “And if I didn’t get it, I was in big trouble.”

Newport Harbor also killed off five Los Alamitos six-on-five chances in the first half. Part of that, Vickers said, was because the Sailors knew what to expect when Los Alamitos (16-2, 1-1 in league) was up a player.

The Griffins like to run a three-three formation (three players on bottom and three on top) in power-play situations.

“We’d been practicing for that all week,” Vickers said.

The Sailors jumped ahead early behind two first-quarter goals from Chiapuzio and one from Mimi Bury.

Sarah Roberts’ backhanded goal with 4:40 left in the second quarter gave Newport a 4-0 lead.

Los Alamitos’ Kaylee Miller added a power-play goal early in the third quarter, but then Sailors freshman Kate Klippert scored the first of her two goals, swimming the length of the pool and scoring with 1:22 left in the third after getting a steal.

“I was really proud of her for that,” Chiapuzio said. “I think it’s a good thing that coach brought up Kate and Kaleigh [Gilchrist], our two freshmen, on varsity. They’re getting better every practice.”

Marisa Cottam scored from about seven meters out with 6:42 left in the game, giving Newport Harbor a 6-1 lead. After Los Alamitos made a five-meter penalty shot and a power-play goal, Klippert scored again with 3:11 left in the contest.

Los Alamitos Coach Dave Carlson said he thought his team played pretty well.

“Newport’s tough,” he said. “They don’t have any weak links on their team. I think they’re the best team in Orange County, from what I’ve seen.”

Sunset League

Newport Harbor 7, Los Alamitos 4

Score by Quarters

Los Alamitos

0

0

1

3

—

4

Newport

3

1

1

2

—

7

Los Alamitos -- Miller 2, Brady 1, Shnayderman 1. Saves -- Taylor 9.

Newport -- Chiapuzio 2, Klippert 2, Bury 1, Roberts 1, Cottam 1. Saves -- Vickers 15.