Conner McManigal’s game-winning goal against Sacred Heart gave Santa Barbara High’s boys water polo team a 2-0 start at the North-South Challenge on Friday and a berth in Saturday’s tournament semifinals.
The Dons edged Sacred Heart 13-12 in a quarterfinal game after a 16-6 first-round win over Alcalanes. Sacred Heart is one of two top-seeded teams at the 16-team tournament along with Mater Dei.
Evan Robertson recorded four goals and five assists in each match.
McManigal’s game-winner came with 20 seconds left in the match, coming on a 6-on-5 conversion for Santa Barbara. Goalkeeper Gio Goggia made his 12th save in the final seconds to secure the win.
It had been a back-and-forth game during the final minutes, as Sacred Heart tied the game at 11-11 and 12-12.
Mason Periera scored four goals in the opening game. Skyler Matthews totaled three goals and three assists against Sacred Heart. Goggia collected 26 saves in two games.
The Dons play the winner of Loyola and El Toro. A complete tournament scoreboard can be found HERE
