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Mustangs win tournament honoring Henry Stuart
by Steve Travers
Henry Stuart is one of the South Bay water polo's most influential figures. Though retired from coaching the El Segundo High School, he is still very much a part of their program.
One of his former players, Scott Garinger coaches the El Segundo Aquatics. Garinger also shares coaching duties with El Segundo varsity coach George Harris. Two weekends ago El Segundo hosted the 31st Annual South Bay Varsity Water Polo Tournament, now renamed in Stuart's honor.
Last year Crescenta Valley won the tournament for the second straight year. They made it to the finals again this year, but were denied a third title by Mira Costa.
Taylor Turney led the Mustangs to an 8-6 overtime victory while earning the Most Valuable Player award. The Most Outstanding Goalie award went to Will Didinger.
Glendale captured the consolation game. Other teams competing included Calabasas, Culver City, Glendale, Hoover, Newbury Park, Notre Dame, and Redondo.
Mira Costa wins Bay League re-match
Mira Costa and El Segundo met again Thursday. Mira Costa came in holding the number one spot in the latest Southern Section rankings and showed they deserve it with an 8-5 victory. The Mustangs are now 12-5, 1-0 in league play.
Goalie Will Didinger had 26 saves, and was flawless in the third quarter.
Tyler Krikorian had five goals, helping to stretch a 3-1 lead to 5-1.
Mira Costa jumped to an early 2-1 lead in the second quarter, courtesy of Krikorian's goal with 45 seconds left in the half. El Segundo pounded the nets relentlessly, but Didinger was up to the task. El Segundo actually outshot Mira Costa, 6-4 in the third.
Trailing 7-3 late in the fourth quarter, the Eagles' mounted a comeback when Riley Brady blasted a goal past Didinger from the middle of the pool. They cut the score to 7-5 with 27 seconds left when A.J. Lester scored from the near side. Josh Lee iced things for Mira Costa when he lobbed in the final goal. ER