CIF PLAYOFFS: Bonita Blows Up with Opening 20-4 Win, Not Even Malfunctioning Timer Could Stop Dream Team

Out of my house, boys! All photos by Tom Lines and Paul and Suzana Munson.

Bonita’s win in the pool on Wednesday afternoon was Lincolnesque (“four score and seven years ago). The team won one score (20) to 4 over Pasadena.

That’s a lot of points. The only thing that seemed to stem the Bonita tide from rolling up even more points was a malfunctioning shot clock.

After the first period, Bonita led 5-2, getting scores from five different players, passing the ball around with patience and unselfishness.

The scoring in the first period went from Nick Wallman to Alec Snow to R.J. Masrow to Alex Munson to Matt Zachary. Indeed, about the only guy who didn’t get his hands on the ball or into the scoring column was head coach John Ashby.

“It was a big test for us today,” Ashby. “The first of four. The team is coming together, and you see it with those extra passes and unselfish play. It’s a sign of maturity, trying to put another point on the board and not caring who does it.

“That’s how we played the game, and I hope we can carry that mentality throughout the playoffs. It would be great to have eight or 10 different players scores. It eases the burden for everybody.”

Keep-away by Keaton.

In the second quarter Bonita really found its stride, winning the quarter 5-0 and going up at the intermission, 10-2. Keaton Renta got the quarter off to a good start scoring a pair of goals, with Massro, Munson and Sam Stavang rounding out the scoring. Meanwhile, Caleb Guarino was immaculate defending the goal.

“He seemed pretty focused,” Ashby said. “It was nice to see that Caleb out here today. Hopefully, we can see a repeat of that in the next game.”

Guarino also had a pair of assists and a cross-pool goal to complement his sterling defense.

“He has a talent for scoring some of those goals. He’s got a good touch. That was a pretty dirty shot.”

It was that kind of day for Bonita, which closed the game out on a breakaway Munson goal.

Ashby knows his next game won’t be such a big splash in the pool as the competition stiffens, with the Bearcats on the road to face either La Qunita in the desert or Chadwick in Palos Verdes.

That game, however, is still two days away. For now Ashby wanted to savor this one.

“It was the final home game for our 13 seniors,” Ashby said. “It was a great way for them to go out.”

Freeze Frame: Last official "home" portrait of 2011 Hacienda League champions. Bonita has won 19 league titles in the last 20 years of competition.

Nick Wallman takes dead aim..

Austin Landi was one more key part in Bonita's balanced attack.

Munson had three goals for Bonita, including the team's last one.

Kevin Webb, Mr. Defense. What will No. 11 be up to on 11/11/11. Practicing in the pool, no doubt.

Bonita kept its head above water for at least one more game.

Munson rises up to play a little defense.

Bonita had clear looks and open passing lanes all game long.

Guarino knows that defense wins championships.

It was another banner day for Bonita water polo.2011 final home team photo to cap a memorable season.

Ashby may have been nursing a sore back, but his vocal cords suffered no such impairment.

Matt Zachary extends.

Clint Simone is about to get on the board..