Mater Dei’s James Walters fakes a shot in front of Loyola’s Chancellor Ramirez in Saturday’s championship match at Santa Barbara High School (Presidio Sports)
Mater Dei defeated Loyola 11-6 on Saturday afternoon to claim the second annual Santa Barbara Invitational boys water polo tournament.
The two schools, Mater Dei ranked No. 1 in the Southern Section and Loyola No. 3, clashed in the championship after winning semifinal matchups earlier in the day. Mater Dei defeated Agoura 13-4 and Loyola topped Sacred Heart 10-7.
Mater Dei, now 5-0 on the season, won the tournament title for the second straight year.
The Monarchs reached the final with relative ease but experienced a stronger challenge from Loyola.
After a scoreless first period from Loyola, the Cubs came alive with four goals in the second quarter and trailed 5-4 at halftime.
The second half saw the Monarchs regain control and secure the quality win.
Jon Walters and Kent Inoue led Mater Dei with three goals each in the championship match. Nicholas Silvers added two.
Chancellor Ramirez recorded a team-high three scores for Loyola.
A tournament scoreboard can be found HERE.
