Islanders Get Measure of Revenge Over Bishop's

It may not make up for the sting of a 10-5 loss to Bishop's in the CIF Division III title game last fall, but the Coronado High boys water polo team exacted at least some revenge on the Knights with a 12-8 victory Wednesday in La Jolla in the league opener for both schools.

Islander senior Eitan Peled tossed in five goals to lead all scorers. He and Garrett Eyer scored to give Coronado a quick 2-0 lead, and the Islanders held a 4-2 advantage after one quarter. The same duo scored again to up the lead to 6-2, but Bishop's answered with two goals before Coronado pulled out to an 8-5 halftime margin.

Both defenses took control in the third period, with freshman Jake Frese notching the second of his three goals for Coronado's lone score and a 9-7 advantage entering the final quarter. The Islanders gradually pulled away to the win with a 3-1 goal advantage in the fourth quarter.

Coronado coach Randy Burgess noted that goalkeeper Joe Rodgers played stellar defense, going the entire game while making 10 saves. He also praised Tommy Grall (three steals) for his effort at both ends of the pool. Van Burgess had a team-high three assists and added a goal.

Coronado improved to 6-2 and will travel to Santa Ana Saturday morning to face the top-ranked team in the country, Mater Dei High. The Islanders went 4-1 over the weekend in the America's Finest City/KAP 7 Invitational, reaching the championship game before losing a tight 13-12 battle with Vista. The only other loss was also by a single goal, 11-10 at Newport Harbor in the season opener on Sept. 17.

Scoring by quarter:
Coronado    4     4     1     3   -  12
Bishop's      2     3     2     1   -   8

Coronado High boys water polo schedule/results