The Cathedral Catholic varsity water polo team (San Diego, CA) will host a home playoff game against Corona del Mar (Newport Beach, CA) today at 5 p.m. This match is part of the 2024 CIF SoCal Boys Water Polo Championships – Division I tournament.

Corona del Mar vs Cathedral Catholic Water Polo Game Info:

What: California High School Water Polo
Who: Corona del Mar vs Cathedral Catholic
When: Tuesday, November 19, 2024
Time: 5 p.m.
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Game preview: Corona del Mar vs Cathedral Catholic

The 2024-25 boys’ water polo season has been a thrilling one for both Corona del Mar and Cathedral Catholic, two teams with impressive records and high rankings in California. As the season progresses, these teams have demonstrated their strength and determination, with the potential for a dramatic showdown. Let’s break down their performances, stats, and key matchups leading up to a potential clash of titans.

Team Overview

Corona del Mar (24-25)
Corona del Mar has posted an outstanding 25-6 record overall, with a perfect 5-0 in league play. Their success this season is a result of their aggressive offense and solid defense, with 427 goals scored and 294 goals allowed. Their win percentage stands at a stellar .806, making them a formidable opponent in California water polo. Notable in their gameplay is their scoring consistency across all four quarters, especially in the fourth, where they average a dominant 6.5 goals per period. With their high-scoring offense and strong leadership, they have been a top contender all season.

Cathedral Catholic (24-25)
Cathedral Catholic, with a 22-6 record and a perfect 5-0 league performance, is another powerhouse team. Their offensive attack has been prolific, scoring 355 goals and allowing just 237. Their impressive win percentage of .786 speaks to their consistency across both league and non-league matchups. What stands out for Cathedral Catholic is their ability to finish strong, particularly in the fourth quarter where they average 15 goals, showing their resilience and clutch performance when it matters most. Their defensive play has also been a critical factor, allowing fewer goals than their opponents on average.

Key Stats & Scoring Breakdown

Here’s how both teams have performed on average per quarter throughout the season:

• Corona del Mar:
  • Q1: 2.0
  • Q2: 3.5
  • Q3: 3.0
  • Q4: 6.5
  • Total: 13.8 goals per game
• Cathedral Catholic:
  • Q1: 0
  • Q2: 0
  • Q3: 0
  • Q4: 15.0
  • OT1: 1.0
  • OT2: 1.0
  • Total: 12.7 goals per game

Both teams have proven their ability to perform well under pressure, but while Corona del Mar’s scoring is more evenly spread throughout the game, Cathedral Catholic has a knack for making a strong comeback in the fourth quarter.

Head-to-Head and Common Opponents

When comparing their records against common opponents, it’s clear that both teams are quite evenly matched. Here’s a quick look at some of the results against shared teams:

• Mater Dei: Both teams earned victories over Mater Dei, though Corona del Mar faced a setback with a loss in one matchup.
• Newport Harbor: Both teams suffered losses to Newport Harbor, showing that despite their strengths, both sides have their vulnerabilities.
• Loyola: Cathedral Catholic managed a perfect sweep against Loyola, while Corona del Mar won some but also dropped a few close games.

Despite their competitive nature, both teams also share victories over teams like Edison and Bishop’s, solidifying their high standings in California water polo.

Looking Ahead: What to Expect

With their impressive records and remarkable performances, both Corona del Mar and Cathedral Catholic are primed to face each other in what could be a thrilling postseason clash. Their perfect league records show their dominance in California, and their scoring abilities in critical moments add an exciting layer to their potential meeting.

As the season continues, expect both teams to refine their strategies. Corona del Mar’s offensive power and balanced play throughout the game will be tested against Cathedral Catholic’s resilience and late-game comebacks. With both teams hungry for state dominance, their showdown promises to be one of the most anticipated games of the season.

Both teams have earned their top rankings and stand as fierce competitors for the championship. Whether it’s Corona del Mar’s well-rounded offense or Cathedral Catholic’s explosive finish, fans are in for an exciting ride. Stay tuned for more high-stakes action as these two titans of boys’ water polo continue to make waves.