For extending CV’s reign, Colvin is key

It’s largely been defense that’s driven the Crescenta Valley High boys’ water polo team to the brink of being able to defend its CIF Southern Section Division VI championship, and the most essential component of the Falcons’ highly effective team coverage has been Rane Colvin. The Falcons will be looking to the junior goalkeeper to help neutralize powerful Rio Mesa in today’s CIF semifinal match at William Woollett, Jr. Aquatics Center in Irvine and have plenty of reasons to expect he’ll be up to the task.

In Colvin, the Falcons have a seasoned veteran of the team’s 2008 CIF title, a sure-handed shot blocker with lightning reflexes and great anticipation and, most importantly, a last line of defense that won’t come unglued under pressure.

“Of all the goalies I’ve coached, and I’ve got three or four that played collegiately in Division I, I have the most confidence in [Colvin’s] ability to stop the one-on-nobody counter-attack than any goalie,” veteran Crescenta Valley Coach Sakonju says. “He’s just got such quick hands, doesn’t get intimidated and has that confidence. His mental attitude is great.

“Going into these big games — league championships and CIF playoffs — you know that mentally he’s gonna be ready to go. He doesn’t seem to get fazed by big games and in game time, he’s in charge of himself.”

One half of a potent goalie platoon a year ago, Colvin has stepped right into the full-time starter’s role this season, tallying 331 saves during the regular season, in which the Falcons (20-8) won their second straight Pacific League title, and averaging over 12 saves per match in playoff wins over Oxnard and Pasadena Poly.

“We believe that defense is the best offense, that’s really how we win our games,” Colvin says. “Everyone looks to me to help out the defense and I like that role. I just do the best I can. I’ve been playing for a long time, so the experience helps.”

Crescenta Valley will be facing a dangerous Rio Mesa team that is especially hungry for some revenge after Crescenta Valley claimed a 10-9 victory over the Spartans in last year’s CIF final.

But, as they have all season long during pressure situations, the Falcons will breathe easier knowing Colvin has their backs.