Big Stop, Late Goal Lift Saddleback

Saddleback rallied from a three-point deficit to defeat La Habra, 7-6, in the first round of the Southern Section Division II boys’ water polo playoffs Friday.

Julian Gonzalez, who had three goals, scored the winner with 1 minute 26 seconds left in the fourth quarter. Gonzalez’s goal came 30 seconds after goalkeeper Art Colchado’s stop on Rob Ramirez’s penalty shot.

Colchado finished with 10 saves. Nathan Allard had three goals to lead La Habra.

Saddleback, which improved to 20-7, plays at Marina in a second-round game Wednesday.

In other Division II games:

Esperanza 18, Garden Grove 4--Esperanza, after winning its wild-card game against Costa Mesa on Tuesday, had little trouble with Garden Grove to advance to the second round.

Katella 16, Pacifica 3--Jeff Pratt scored four goals and Brian Wersky added three to lead Katella (24-4). Brandon Avila and Jonny Jara made a combined 16 saves for Katella, which advanced to play Laguna Beach Wednesday.

Laguna Beach 13, Tustin 9--Tustin’s fourth-quarter surge wasn’t enough to beat the Artists, who will play Katella in a second-round game.

Los Alamitos 14, Buena Park 7--Defending Division II champion Los Alamitos had little trouble against Buena Park. The Griffins will meet University in a second-round game Wednesday.

Marina 19, Cypress 2--Sunset League champion Marina scored 15 points in the first three quarters and kept the Centurions scoreless. Jeff Larson had nine goals and 13 steals for Marina, which improved to 23-4. They will play Saddleback Wednesday.

Servite 19, Los Amigos 5--Servite’s Jared Swan led his team defensively with six steals. Teammates Michael Kim and Jarrod Cruzat both scored four goals to help Servite (24-3, 5-0) advance to the second round. Servite plays Esperanza Wednesday at 3:15 p.m.

University 15, El Dorado 8--Ted Peck had six goals and Alex Taboreck added three to lead University (22-5). University advanced to play Los Alamitos.

In Division IV:

Brea Olinda 13, La Canada Flintridge Prep 6--Derek Slabaugh scored four goals to lead host Brea Olinda in the first round. Nathan Batchelor had 10 saves for the Wildcats (12-14).

Western 14, Sierra Vista 9--Jacob Weinstock and John Bartnikowski each scored four goals to lead the Pioneers. Western goalie Ronnie Cunningham had 10 saves. For only the second time in the school’s history, Western advanced to the second round of the Southern Section playoffs.