Chargers to play for water polo title
Agoura beats Arroyo Grande, 18-13; advances to Saturday's Division IV final in Irvine
By Joann Groff joann@theacorn.com

JANN HENDRY/Acorn Newspapers PETER THE GREAT- Agoura High's Peter Kurzeka, right, avoids the defensive pressure and unloads a shot on goal during Wednesday's CIF-Southern Section Division IV semifinal match against Arroyo Grande. The contest was held at Pepperdine.

Despite their No. 1 seed in CIF, Agoura High's boys' water polo team no doubt had some fears heading into Wednesday's Division IV semifinal game against Arroyo Grande after last year's premature playoff loss.

Despite a lack of defense on both ends of the pool, the Marmonte League champions had little trouble stomping Arroyo Grande in the CIFSouthern Section semifinals at Pepperdine University, advancing to the finals after an 18-13 win.

Senior Peter Kurzeka was easily the standout scoring seven goals for AHS, many after driving into 2-meters. But head coach Dustin Litvak said the win came as a result of the whole team stepping up.

"I can't even single out anyone," Litvak said. "Everyone played great. We really needed to step up and everyone did."

Senior goalkeeper Ryan Paris had nine saves, five in the first quarter alone. The Chargers held a 51 lead until the second quarter when their defense shut down temporarily.

By the half the Eagles had begun to put some goals away after a couple key ejections, but their comeback was short lived. In the second half, despite the highscoring game, Agoura put away goal after goal.

Aside from Kurzeka's seven goals, Paul Jones scored three and Matt Carlson, Calvin Moffett, PJ Iannone and Brandon Gross each logged a couple goals.

Litvak said he's enjoying the team's new strategy.

"We used to get down early and find our way back," Litvak said. "Last year, in the semis, it was too little, too late. Now we are getting early leads in games. We've got a target on our back, but we are pulling through."

The Chargers play for the CIFSS Division IV title Saturday at 4 p.m. at the William Woollett Jr. Aquatics Center in Irvine.