Image Source: Eric Sondheimer
Key Takeaways
- Oaks Christian is the defending Southern Section Open Division champion in girls’ water polo and remains a top contender
- The team has a strong roster with five players committed to college and a standout junior player, Makena Bygrave
- The Lions are ranked No. 1 in the latest Southern Section rankings and have a strong chance of winning the title
- A big tournament in girls’ water polo is taking place this weekend at Santa Barbara High, featuring top teams from the Southland
Introduction to Oaks Christian’s Dominance
Oaks Christian, the defending Southern Section Open Division champion in girls’ water polo, has once again proven itself to be a force to be reckoned with in the Southland. With an impressive 11-7 win over previously unbeaten Mater Dei, the Lions have demonstrated that they remain among the top teams in the region. As coach Jack Kocur noted, "Four teams are capable of beating anyone any time," highlighting the competitive nature of the sport. The Lions’ only loss was to Newport Harbor, a team they also beat, showcasing their ability to bounce back from defeat.
The Lions’ Roster and Rankings
The Lions’ roster is filled with talented players, including five who have committed to the college ranks: Alex Stoddard (Princeton), Mia Fabros (Stanford), Nicole O’Neill (USC), Maryam Maamoun (Brown), and Aaliyah Kim (Hawaii). Additionally, standout junior Makena Bygrave is considered one of the best players from the class of 2027, having scored four goals against Mater Dei. With such a strong lineup, it’s no wonder the Lions are ranked No. 1 in the latest Southern Section rankings. As Kocur’s team continues to dominate, they are likely to remain a top contender for the title.
The Road to the Championship
The road to the championship will not be easy, however, as the Lions face stiff competition from other top teams, including Mater Dei, Orange Lutheran, and Newport Harbor. As Kocur noted, "Four teams are capable of beating anyone any time," emphasizing the need for the Lions to stay focused and prepared. With a big tournament taking place this weekend at Santa Barbara High, the Lions will have the opportunity to test their skills against other top teams and solidify their position as a top contender.
The Importance of the Upcoming Tournament
The tournament at Santa Barbara High is a significant event in the girls’ water polo calendar, bringing together top teams from the Southland. As Eric Sondheimer, a journalist covering high school sports, noted, "This is a daily look at the positive happenings in high school sports." The tournament provides a platform for teams to showcase their skills, and for the Lions, it’s an opportunity to demonstrate their dominance and prepare for the championship. With their strong roster and ranking, the Lions are likely to be a team to watch at the tournament.
Conclusion and Future Prospects
In conclusion, Oaks Christian’s win over Mater Dei has cemented their position as a top contender in the Southern Section Open Division. With a strong roster, talented players, and a experienced coach, the Lions are well-equipped to take on the competition and make a run for the championship. As the tournament at Santa Barbara High approaches, the Lions will be looking to build on their momentum and demonstrate their skills against other top teams. With their sights set on the title, the Lions are sure to be a team to watch in the world of girls’ water polo. As Kocur said, the Lions are one of the four teams capable of beating anyone, and they will be looking to prove it in the upcoming tournament.
https://www.latimes.com/sports/highschool/story/2026-01-07/oaks-christian-girls-water-polo-team-setting-standard-for-excellence