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LAGUNA BEACH — The Laguna Beach and San Clemente boys water polo teams faced off Tuesday for more than just another early-season victory.
The traditional, Orange County powers sought to continue their transitions under new coaches.
Laguna Beach claimed a 15-12 triumph behind seven goals by attacker Diego Audebert but both teams took steps toward strengthening their core values.
The Breakers, ranked sixth in Orange County, showed a strong, pressing defense under first-year coach Camron Hauer, who replaces longtime coach and mentor Ethan Damato.
The Breakers’ press was especially effective in the second period as it fueled a counterattack that helped secure a 10-3 advantage at halftime.
Audebert said Laguna Beach (7-4) has embraced Hauer’s defensive focus but also wants to maintain the program’s winning ways.
“We’re trying to keep the culture the same,” Audebert said. “Working hard. Being close with the boys and just having a good time playing. Working hard but still having fun at the same time.”
Hauer served as Damato’s frosh-soph coach the past three seasons.
“There’s a lot to step up to but he’s still helping,” Hauer said of Damato, now coaching with USA Water Polo. “I’m still on the phone with him all the time.”
Audebert scored there times in the first period and spun in a cross-cage lob in the second.
The Breakers also received three first-half goals from junior Cade Anderson and a few well-timed saves from junior goalie Tyler Swensen, who didn’t play in the final quarter.
Laguna Beach again played without standout senior Sai Bassett, who is recovering from a concussion.
San Clemente (5-8), ranked No. 1 in CIF-SS Division 2, is playing for a new yet familiar coach. Logan Powell has returned to his alma mater after a brief stint coaching at Ottawa University in Arizona.
The 2019 boys Register coach of the year sat several starters in the first half but saw his team surge in the second half.
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The Tritons trimmed Laguna Beach’s lead to 13-10 on an extra-man strike by Cross Viter with 3:48 left but Laguna Beach answered with two goals to seal the victory. Viter, a senior, finished with four goals.
“We’re just trying to get back to competing,” Powell said.
San Clemente certainly showed more fire in the second half, outscoring Laguna Beach 9-5. Senior Ray Hickman led the way in the fourth period with a goal and two assists.
Laguna Beach and San Clemente could clash again later this week at the Villa Park Classic. The Breakers and Tritons are seeded first and second, respectively.