When U.S. Lacrosse Division 1 South crowns a champion on Wednesday at Dana Hills High, the ceremony will have a decidedly different look than it has the past five years.
There will be no Foothill.
That's because Corona del Mar continued its historic unbeaten season by defeating the five-time defending champion, 7-5, during semifinal play on Saturday.
Casey Mix and Michael Keasey had three goals apiece for CdM (22-0), and goalie Michael Ortleib had 13 saves as the Sea Kings turned back the Knights.
When the boys' final commences at 7 p.m., Corona del Mar (22-0) will face off against San Clemente (15-6). It will be a big night for CdM, which will also play for the girls' title beginning at 5 p.m.
The Tritons were in a battle, but emerged from sudden death overtime with a 12-11 victory over Santa Margarita. Although Robbie Burns scored five times for San Clemente, which went into the fourth quarter trailing, 11-8, it was Peyton Garrett's goal that proved to be the game-winner.
The championship for girls will begin at 5 p.m., and will see top-seeded Los Alamitos (16-2) against seventh-seeded CdM (16-3).
Los Alamitos scored an 11-8 victory over Santa Margarita in the semifinals as Grace Schmidt-Beck scored six goals. The Griffins held a 6-5 lead at halftime, then scored five consecutive goals in the second half.
Adrienne Anderson scored five goals for Santa Margarita (12-5).
In the other semifinal, Corona del Mar defeated third-seeded Beckman, 13-8. The Sea Queens are on a roll, having beaten second-seeded Foothill as well. Ally Brahs and Torrey Attyah each scored three goals for CdM. Corona del Mar and Beckman had split two games earlier this season in Pacific Coast League play.
