Laguna’s 12U girls’ squad captures crown

The Laguna Beach Water Polo Club’s girls’ 12-and-Under team won its division Sunday at the 50th annual SPA Age Group Championships at Woollett Aquatics Center in Irvine.

The title comes two weeks after Laguna won its division at the Evan Cousineau Cup.

The SPA Age Group Championships is the final tournament for Laguna before its 2012 season.

Laguna got off to a strong start on the first day of the tournament Saturday by defeating SoCal from Tustin, 6-4. Sophia Lucas scored four goals and Isabel Riches and Evie Cant also scored. Laguna then beat Chino Hills Area Water Polo (CHAWP), 13-8, with Angelique Begay scoring five goals and Audrey Duffy scoring three.

On Sunday, Laguna beat Northwood, 8-2, behind Lucas’ six goals and Thea Walsh’s outstanding play in goal. Laguna advanced to the gold medal game where it faced a rematch against CHWAP. Using a balanced line-up, Laguna got off to a quick start. Goals from Niva Razin and Danielle Borelli and two assists from Evan Tingler led to a 4-1 lead and sent Laguna onto a 9-5 victory.

The Laguna girls’ 14-U team competes this weekend at the SPA Age Group Championships at the Woollett Center.

— From Staff Reports