Water Polo

Damien Edged Murrieta Valley 13-12 w/Late Goal & Defensive Stand; Spartans to Face St. John Bosco in CIF-SS D-2 Title Game

Nov 11 2026 11:18:00

Photos by Jeff Serpa

Water Polo:

On Tuesday evening, Damien earned the opportunity to play for the program’s third CIF-SS championship.

But it took some hard work and a dramatic final minute.

The Spartans edged Murrieta Valley, 13-12, in the semifinal round of the Division 2 playoffs.

With the match tied at 12-12, and just north of 30 seconds on the scoreboard, Kiernan Gore clutched up and scored to give Damien a 13-12 lead.

Murrieta Valley had one last opportunity to tie the game in the waning moments, but the ball caromed off the crossbar to set off a celebration for the Spartans.

Diego Solis led DHS with four goals.

Maddox Redfearn had three goals, including one with two minutes to play to even the game at 12-12.

Logan Diaz contributed a pair of goals in the win.

Solis had already scored once before his game-winning shot.

Damien has now won eight consecutive games.

DHS will definitely enter the title match having been tested.

In the last three wins (Dana Hills, La Habra & Murrieta Valley), the Spartans edged DHHS by two goals and LHHS and MVHS by one goal apiece.

Up next: The Spartans will battle St. John Bosco in the D-2 final on Saturday at Mt. SAC.

CIF-SS will release the exact time shortly.

The Braves (23-9) defeated Crescenta Valley, 10-8, in their semifinal round contest.

To view a photo gallery of the Spartans by Jeff Serpa, click on the Facebook link here: Facebook

Records: Murrieta Valley (28-8); Damien (26-9)

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Damien’s Playoff Run:
10/29: DHS 14, Upland 8
11/3: DHS 13, Dana Hills 11
11/6: DHS 11, La Habra 10
11/10: DHS 13, Murrieta Valley 12
11/14: DHS vs St. John Bosco at Mt. SAC

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