Laguna sinks in decider

Boys’ 12-U team heartbroken after stirring overtime triumph in semis.In a high-octane offensive show in the championship game of the 12-and-Under Division at the WinterFest water polo tournament in Los Alamitos, Laguna Beach fell to Club Split by a 14-11 score.

Laguna earned a shot at the tournament title by winning a rousing, 12-11 semifinal match against Club Set.

The semifinal match was played at 8 a.m. Sunday.

The match was decided in a four-minute, sudden-death overtime. Laguna goalie Erik Henrikson recovered a loose-ball scramble, shot the ball out to Nolan McConnell, who in turn, lofted a pass to an open Nicky Brunner. Brunner was able to drill the winning goal into the net to send Laguna on to the final.

Laguna’s 12-and-Under team, coached by Chad Beeler and Nick McConnell, also includes Rian Atherton, Riley Browne, Jase Campos, Robert Clemens, Cameron Hauer, Jake Knott, Cade Montgomery and Tommy Renner.