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Carlsbad junior Ryan Fresca stood out out on offense and defense on a challenging day for the second-seeded Lancers in the CIF Southern California Regional Divison 2 boys water polo final.
Fresca recorded five goals, an assist and a series of steals against No. 1 Manhattan Beach Mira Costa at Mount San Antonio College on Saturday.
However, the Lancers could never get ahead and fell 12-9 in their first tourney appearance in the seven-year history of the event.
After facing a 10-5 third-quarter deficit, the Lancers (24-9) mounted a comeback bid by scoring the three unanswered goals over first four minutes of the fourth period, including two by Fresca. Yet Mira Costa (22-12) allowed them no closer.
“That (comeback) was a testament to the camaraderie and brotherhood that we’ve built this season,” Lancers coach Spencer Rodman said by phone. “We just never give up, and that’s all that I can ask.”
Fresca, a second-year varsity member, led the Lancers in goals, assists and steals on the season.
“Ryan is a very talented player and a leader by example,” Rodman said. “He’s fundamentally sound, and I can’t say enough good things about him.”
Senior Xander Trevitt added two goals for the Lancers, and classmate Nathan Gattorna held forth in goal.
Carlsbad qualified for the regionals by reaching the semifinals of the San Diego Section Open Division playoffs.
“Our seniors are leaving behind something better than when they got it,” said Rodman, a Carlsbad alum who played on section title teams two decades ago.
“The future’s looking very bright. The group this year learned what it’s like to advance, and they are more hungry than ever.”
At the outset, Mira Costa scored on the game’s first possession, and although the Lancers then converted on their initial try, the Mustangs build a 4-1 lead by early in the second quarter and then held a 6-3 halftime edge.
Mira Costa received the top seed after losing in the Southern Section Division 1 final.
Carlsbad was bidding to become the third straight Division 2 champion from the San Diego Section, following La Jolla (2023) and Cathedral Catholic (2022). Also, Vista won the title twice (2018-19).
In Division 1, former Cathedral Catholic coach Brett Orsmby guided No. 2 San Juan Capistrano JSerra (29-4) to its third-straight title with a 11-9 victory over No. 1 and previously unbeaten Newport Harbor (33-1). It was the third consecutive final between the schools.
Newport Harbor ousted Cathedral in the semifinals.
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