Santa Barbara, Calif. – Two local high‑school programs moved on to the CIF‑Southern Section Division 1 boys water‑polo semifinals on Saturday. The Dos Pueblos Chargers posted a 15‑10 victory over Yucaipa, and the Buena Bulldogs edged Mater Dei 10‑6.
Dos Pueblos advances with balanced attack
Grant Nelson led the Chargers’ offense with five goals, a standout performance that helped the team build an early lead. Sophomore Channing Wigo, freshman Wyatt Warkentin and senior Lucas Neushul each contributed three goals, while senior goalkeeper Koa Zertuche recorded seven saves. The Chargers (22‑6) surged to a 4‑1 advantage after the first quarter and held a 9‑3 lead at halftime before closing the game at 15‑10.
Buena secures semifinal berth on the road
The Bulldogs traveled to face Mater Dei and emerged with a 10‑6 win. Buena’s balanced scoring and disciplined defense allowed the team to stay ahead throughout the match. With the victory, Buena will travel again for the semifinals, where they will meet Mira Costa, the winner of the Westlake‑Mira Costa matchup (14‑8).
What’s next for the semifinalists?
Dos Pueblos will host Laguna Beach on Wednesday in the first semifinal, giving the Chargers a home‑court advantage. Buena, meanwhile, will remain on the road to play Mira Costa. Both games will determine which teams advance to the CIF‑SS Division 1 championship.
Community support and school spirit
The quarterfinals drew enthusiastic crowds from the Santa Barbara area, underscoring the strong community backing for high‑school athletics. Parents, alumni, and local fans gathered at the pools to cheer on the young athletes, many of whom balance rigorous academic schedules with demanding training regimens.
Looking ahead
As the season progresses, the Chargers and Bulldogs aim to build on their recent successes. Coaches emphasized the importance of teamwork, discipline, and faith‑based values that guide the student‑athletes both in the pool and in the classroom. The upcoming semifinals promise high‑stakes competition and an opportunity for the schools to showcase the talent that has defined Santa Barbara’s water‑polo tradition.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
