PHOTOS: Top-seeded Crean Lutheran up to the challenge in CIF playoff opener

Julian Amakasu of Crean Lutheran takes a shot as Malibu goalie Nico Marazzi defends. (Photo courtesy Crean Lutheran Shutterbugs, John Luciano).

Crean Lutheran High School’s top-seeded boys water polo team took the first step toward another CIF title Thursday, defeating Malibu 10-4 in a Division 4 opener at the William Woollett Aquatics Complex in Irvine.

Coach Ed Carrera’s team won the Division 6 title last year, the first in school history, and got bumped up to Division 4 this year.

“We can’t always control offense, but we can always control defense,” Carrera said. “The first half was just about controlling the defensive end.”

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The two teams were tied after one quarter 1-1 before the Saints took charge outscoring Malibu 3-1 in the second quarter.

Freshman Julian Amakasu led the way, scoring four goals for Crean Lutheran.

“He’s a leader out there for us,” Carrera said. “He’s sort of our point guard and runs the offense and he likes to have the ball in his hand, which is an advantage because he makes good decisions but everyone is capable. He just knows how to be at the right place at the right time.”

Amakasu, who also had two assists, was happy to contribute to the win.

“Our team did really good and our senior Tate Fitzgerald did really good,” he said. “He held the team together and his captain skills are really needed. I feel very proud that I’m on a team that did so good last year and we wish to repeat.”

Jonathan DiPinto scored two goals for Crean Lutheran.

The Saints jumped out to a 1-0 lead on a goal by Mark Dipinto. But Malibu tied the contest when Kade Kelly scored a goal.

However in the second quarter, Amakasu scored two goals and Fitzgerald had another to help Crean Lutheran move out to a 4-1 lead.

DiPinto had a goal, two assists and six steals and Fitzgerald had a goal, three assists and three steals and one blocked shot.

Senior goalie Ryan Goldstone had two saves, one assist and a steal, according to assistant coach Ryan Tunstall.

Tunstall also credited the play of Santana DelCastillo and Ethan Lee, who “stepped up and got some great steals that led to goals. Our defense really held up today.”

Crean Lutheran moves on to the second round Saturday at 2 p.m. against Downey at Downey.

—Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com