In the sixth grade, Colin Smith watched Carlsbad start a string of San Diego Section water polo championships. As a high school junior, he helped the Lancers extend that streak to a record number.
Smith used his second goal of the Division I final to put Carlsbad ahead to stay in the third quarter last night as the Lancers recorded a 5-3 victory over Vista to set a section mark with six straight championships at La Jolla High's Coggan Pool.
“The people before us did it, and we wanted to continue the tradition,” said Smith, a second-year varsity member. “We all worked extremely hard, and every minute was worth it. It's not a matter of one person on the team. It was everyone put together.”
Second-seeded Carlsbad (25-7) had only senior standout Tommy Friedrich back from last year's starting lineup, but every starter this season possessed varsity experience.
“In a close, tight game, that experience playing for the championship helped us keep our composure,” said Lancers coach J.B. Feaster, in his 14th season heading the program. “This (title) was harder than probably any we've had with the expectations. There was a lot of pressure on these guys.”
Carlsbad opened a 3-0 lead midway into the second quarter, but the top-seeded Panthers (22-10) gradually came back to pull even when Travis Duncan converted a penalty shot for his second goal with 1:08 left in the third quarter.
Just 28 seconds later, Smith put the Lancers back in front. Junior Matt Manchenton increased their lead to 5-3 with 3:16 left in the game.
Goalie Alex Schamp had nine saves to help the Lancers prevail after splitting two regular-season meetings with Vista, which reached the final for the first time since 1977.
“This was the grudge match,” said Schamp, whose older brother Matt also played in goal for two seasons during the title streak. “We've been wanting it, and they've been wanting it. We wanted it more.”
The Lancers won without a goal from Friedrich, who drew heavy defensive attention. Preston Rodman and Rob Robinson also scored for Carlsbad.
