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The first girls water polo playoff brackets to follow computer-generated power ratings produced a predictable duo as top seeds Friday. But that doesn’t mean all the CIF-SS postseason pairings surfaced as expected.
As anticipated, Mater Dei and Orange Lutheran claimed the first and second seeds, respectively, in the Open Division.
The top-two ranked teams in Orange County have already clashed four times in high-profile matches.
Mater Dei (21-3) won the first three encounters — all in top tournaments — before Orange Lutheran (21-3) claimed the teams’ clash for the Trinity League title on Tuesday.
Two of the teams’ matches have been decided by one goal. Another game extended into overtime. Mater Dei won another match by three goals but both teams weren’t full strength.
If the seeding hold up, Mater Dei and Orange Lutheran would meet for the fifth time Feb. 22 in the finals at Mt. SAC in Walnut.
Last season, Orange Lutheran captured its second straight Open Division crown by defeating Mater Dei 12-4 in the championship.
A Mater Dei-Orange Lutheran final would bring plenty of star-power to Mt. SAC.
The Lancers’ feature U.S. national team players Allison Cohen and Jailynn Robinson while Mater Dei counters with national team player Maggie Ryan and junior sharp-shooter Kirra Pantaleon.
Mater Dei led the Southern Section with a 9.39 rating, just ahead of Orange Lutheran a 9.32.
Both teams top their respective groups of four teams in the new-look playoff format. The winner of each group advances to the finals.
Newport Harbor and Oaks Christian earned the third and fourth seeds, respectively. The Sailors (21-5), champion of the Sunset League, were placed with Orange Lutheran while Oaks Christian (18-7) joined Mater Dei’s group.
Mater Dei’s Group A also includes San Marcos and reigning Division 1 champion Corona del Mar. Orange Lutheran’s Group B also consists of Long Beach Wilson and Foothill.
If the seedings hold up, the final round of group play on Feb. 18 would essentially be the semifinals.
The release of the Division 1 pairing delivered a bit more intrigue.
Beckman (20-6), co-champion of the South Coast League, earned the top seed by edging six teams closely grouped teams in the power ratings with a 8.55.
The teams were: Palos Verdes (8.39), Rancho Cucamonga (8.38), San Clemente (8.377), Laguna Beach (8.374), Downey (8.372) and JSerra Catholic (8.36).
For Laguna Beach, Division 1 is certainly a new look. While the Breakers (16-11) have climbed to No. 4 in county rankings with a recent surge, they will compete outside the top division in the playoffs for the first time since 2011 in Division 2.
Laguna Beach opens against fellow Pacific Coast League member Rosary on Thursday and could face San Clemente in the quarterfinals.
San Clemente, co-champion of the South Coast, have won 2 of 3 matches against Beckman.
JSerra is another interesting contender. The Lions were the Division 1 runner-up last season and are seeking a fourth consecutive trip to a section final.
Esperanza (15-13), the champion of the new-look Freeway League, is seeded first in Division 4, one spot ahead of Capistrano Valley.
Huntington Beach and Edison, both of whom received wins via forfeit against Los Alamitos in the Sunset League, will compete in Division 2 and Division 3, respectively.
In another twist, the section playoffs will feature six total divisions, one less than last season.
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