SOUTHERN SECTION WATER POLO PLAYOFFS : Marina Defense Leads Victory

Marina put in its bid for the Division II water polo title with an 11-5 upset over third-seeded Costa Mesa in the quarterfinals Wednesday at Golden West College.

The Vikings (18-11) advance to the semifinals, where they will play Servite. The Friars dumped Marina, 18-6, this season.

Marina Coach John Wright said if his team can repeat its effort against the Mustangs, he likes the Vikings’ chances on Saturday against the second-seeded Friars.

“If we play like this we can win our division,” he said.

Wright pointed to the defense, particularly goalkeeper Darin Smith, who saved 11 shots, as the primary reason for the victory.

“We were super defensively,” he said. “It was one of our best defensive efforts this year.”

Erik Larson’s man-advantage goal gave Marina a 1-0 lead after one quarter and the Vikings stretched it to 6-2 by halftime.

The second quarter was capped by Robin Beauregard, who freed herself from the defense and slammed a shot past goalkeeper Justin Taylor with eight seconds left in the half.

Stever O’Rourke scored twice for Marina to open the second half and the Vikings led, 8-3, after three quarters.

Costa Mesa (23-5) got no closer than 10-4 in the fourth quarter as Smith had six saves and Dan Kreamer had three steals.

Marina was led by O’Rourke’s four goals. Robert Grayeli had four goals for Costa Mesa, which lost in the finals last season.