Coronado High's boys' water polo team went 3-2 at its first tournament of the season, scoring in double digits in three of five games over a two-day stretch in Orange County.
The Islanders beat El Dorado 14-7 and Clairemont 11-9 on Friday, Sept. 11, then topped University 16-7 on Saturday, Sept. 12. Two losses came by a single goal each, including a 14-13 defeat to Capistrano Valley on Saturday, the Coronado Eagle & Journal reported.
The tournament pushed Coronado's record to 5-3. The Islanders have since dropped a 10-9 home decision to Division 1 opponent Torrey Pines on Wednesday, Sept. 16, according to SI.com game data. The record now sits at 5-4.
Head coach David Throop said the tournament weekend revealed growth on both ends of the pool.
"Offensively, we had better ball movement, and overall we were just more systematic with what we were trying to do as a unit," Throop told the Eagle & Journal.
Russell Richardson anchored the offense from the center of the pool. But Throop said the perimeter game opened up around him, with left-hander Van Marinics and James Friedman finding clean looks at goal. Carter Mondzelewski also scored well across multiple games, Throop said.
Defensively, the Islanders switched between man and zone schemes during the tournament and communicated through the adjustments. Throop said the team handled those transitions well, recognizing when to press and when to drop into help defense.
Both tournament losses came by one goal. Throop said he sees value in those tight finishes, even in defeat, because close games test a team's composure in ways lopsided results cannot. He pointed to the experience as something the Islanders can lean on as the schedule stiffens.
Looking ahead to the rest of September, Throop said he wants the team to build on its defensive communication and adjust to what opponents exposed during the tournament. Coronado hosts Bishop's on Wednesday, Sept. 23, at 4:30 p.m. and Cathedral Catholic on Wednesday, Sept. 30, at 4:30 p.m.
