16-3 splash to win

A slow start on offense by the Laguna Beach water polo’s

eighth-grade-and-under team turned out to be a false indicator in its

recent meeting with East Yorba Linda.

Laguna turned a 1-0 first quarter lead into a rout, as it scored

early and often in recording a 16-3 victory.

Neither team could produce much in the opening quarter, where

Laguna was able to take a 1-0 lead on a goal by Robbie Quellmalz.

Laguna’s defense, meanwhile, didn’t allow East Yorba Linda any

shot on goal, as the quick actions of goalie Sean Spera created

several turnover situations, which Laguna used to its advantage.

Laguna broke open the match by scoring five goals in the second

quarter.

Quellmalz led the scoring attack with three more goals while Brett

Thompson and David Brunner each scored once, as Laguna opened up a

6-1 lead.

Thompson took over as goalie in the third quarter and turned away

all three shot attempts by East Yorba Linda in the quarter. Goals by

Morgan Brick and Drake Dixon increased Laguna’s advantage to 8-1.

Thompson again posted three saves in the fourth quarter.

Quellmalz went on to net three more goals, Spera and Robert Chew

each scored twice and Brick added a second goal to finish off the

scoring for Laguna.

Quellmalz single-handedly outscored East Yorba Linda by netting

seven goals.