LJ g water polo 6, Bishop's 5

The Vikings' Kira Bruno (9) brings the ball toward

the attacking zone in the first quarter.

(Photo by Ed Piper)

By Ed Piper

In a tooth-and-claw struggle, La Jolla came from trailing 3-1 late in the second quarter to break through for a narrow 6-5 win over rival Bishop's Thurs., Feb. 4, in the two water polo teams' last meeting against each other before the CIF playoffs later in February.

The Vikings' Kira Bruno opened scoring with a goal at 5:05 of the first period to put La Jolla one up. It was a shot from the perimeter on a straight line with the goal.

The Knights tied 21 seconds later, and followed with another goal before the end of the quarter to lead 2-1.

The scoreboard at Coggan Pool went out for much of the second quarter, so a Bishop's lead of 3-1 was finally posted when the display was temporarily restored with 2:00 remaining in the half.

Ciara Franke of La Jolla powered a goal in from the two-meter position at 1:13 for a 3-2 score at halftime.

Karli Canale's soft shot from long distance from the two position on the left of the goal at the buzzer hit high on the right post and caromed off harmlessly.

The Vikings were able to out-score the Knights 4-2 in the second half for the win.

"We've been focusing a lot on defense (lately)," said La Jolla head coach Keller Felt before the game. "If the girls are focused on what we we've been working on, we'll be fine."

Nicole Bertrand, the utility player, sidelined after being hospitalized Wednesday but appearing to be okay, said, "We're all on the same page."

Bertrand was wearing her trademark Doc Martens boots. "I wear them everyday," she said. "I have eight pairs."