PHOTOS: Crean Lutheran boys water polo team defeats Cypress for first league title

Crean Lutheran coaches and seniors from left) Head Coach Ed Carrera and seniors Tate Fitzgerald, Owen Eich, Nick Mok and Ryan Goldstone and assistant coaches Ryan Tunstall and Ian Tesdall. (Photo courtesy Mari Amakasu).

Crean Lutheran High School’s boys water polo team won the first league title in school history Thursday, defeating Cypress 13-8 for the Empire League championship.

Freshman Julian Amakasu led the Saints with five goals, one assist and six steals.

To see the slide show, click on the first photo:

Tate Fitzgerald of Crean Lutheran takes a shot.
Photo courtesy Jim Tomlin.

Crean Lutheran's Mark Dipinto shoots as Nate Burdos of Cypress defends.
Photo courtesy Jim Tomlin.

Jaden Rodriguez of Cypress looks for a shot as Julian Amakasu of Crean Lutheran defends.
Photo courtesy Jim Tomlin.

Ryan Goldstone of Crean Lutheran makes a save.
Photo courtesy Jim Tomlin

Senior captain Tate Fitzgerald had three goals. Ryan Goldstone, a senior, had 10 saves which is a career high, according to assistant coach Ryan Tunstall.

“I have been pleased with our focus throughout the season,” said Coach Ed Carrera.  “We are where I hoped to be at the beginning of the season, even though we have not had our full rotation for weeks (due to illness).

“We are looking forward to getting healthy and going on a strong run in the playoffs. Winning league for the first time in school history is an accomplishment that we are all very proud of, but our job is not finished.”

CIF playoff pairings will be announced Saturday. Crean Lutheran is ranked first in Division 4. The Saints won the CIF Division 6 title last year.