Bulldogs can’t claim third

BURBANK HIGH — At some point, the slump will end.

Crescenta Valley High boys’ water polo Coach Jan Sakonju thought that might have happened Thursday night during Crescenta Valley’s 5-4 victory against host Burbank in the third-place match of the Pacific League Tournament.

The Falcons (15-11, 6-3 in league) got man-advantage goals from Tristan Winterhalter and Mason Takidin less than three minutes apart in the fourth quarter to help snap a three-match losing streak. Takidin recorded a key steal with 26 seconds left to secure the victory.

“We’ve been in a slump since [the loss to Glendale on Oct. 18],” said Sakonju, whose team had won four straight league championships. “They have to learn how to regain their confidence.

“The guys have lost their edge, and it’s their job to get that back heading into the playoffs.

“I’m exceedingly happy with our six-on-five because we have been terrible.”

Burbank (9-12, 5-4) appeared ready to topple the Falcons. The Bulldogs got a goal apiece from Greg Farhadians and James Berman to build a 2-0 lead with 5:30 left in the second quarter.

Burbank grabbed a 4-3 lead on a goal by Martin Kestenian with 5:54 left in the match before the Falcons caught and passed them.

“We are actually playing better than we did in the beginning of the season,” said Burbank Coach Carlos Pelayo, who once starred as a player for Crescenta Valley. “We are ready now [for the playoffs].”

The CIF Southern Section Division VI playoff pairings will be released Sunday.