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SAN CLEMENTE — San Clemente and Beckman’s girls water polo teams have produced several close matches the past 13 months, and Thursday was no different.
The Tritons scored twice in the span of 33 seconds in the middle of the fourth period to edge visiting Beckman 10-9 to clinch at least a share of a 10th consecutive South Coast League title.
Ranked fifth in Orange County, San Clemente (14-6, 6-0) snapped an 8-8 tie with 3:53 left in regulation as Jane Fischer narrowly beat the shot clock with a goal off an alert pass from Emmi Franklin. With the shot clock running down, Franklin passed the ball from the near mid-pool to Franklin positioned in front of the Beckman goal.
About 30 seconds later, center Adley Dawson scored off a well-executed counterattack to extend San Clemente’s lead to 10-8.
San Clemente pushed the counterattack after a save by goalie Terra Lindberg. Ryley Bailey then passed from the wing to Dawson for the strike with 3:20 left.
Bailey, the daughter of former San Clemente standout Andy Bailey, defended at center to help force a turnover with about two minutes left.
Freshman attacker Natalie Arata of No. 8 Beckman (10-9, 4-2) scored with 18 seconds left to cap the scoring.
Lindberg finished with 12 saves. Arata and Brooke Knisely each scored four goals to lead Beckman.
Thursday marked the teams’ fourth consecutive one-goal game dating back to last season.
