Harvard Reaches Semifinals in Water Polo, 12-11

Third-seeded Harvard-Westlake High overcame Foothill’s upset bid with a controversial 12-11 overtime victory in a Southern Section Division I quarterfinal water polo match Tuesday at Tustin High.

The Wolverines were clinging to an 11-10 lead with less than 40 seconds remaining in overtime when they were whistled for a dead-ball violation. But Harvard’s Jim Toring intercepted a pass before an official blew his whistle to signify resumption of play, and threw the ball the length of the pool to teammate Alan Paul who scored the decisive goal with 27 seconds left.

Foothill appealed but it was denied by the referee.

“I really don’t know what happened,” Harvard Coach Rich Corso said. “I just told (Paul) to go.”

Harvard (27-2) advanced to the semifinals against Corona del Mar, an 8-5 upset winner over second-seeded Capistrano Valley, Friday at Belmont Plaza.

The Wolverines, the 3-A Division champions last year, rallied from a two-goal deficit in the final 4 1/2 minutes to take a 9-8 lead. David Hay, who led Foothill (17-11) with five goals, forced the overtime when he scored with 1:25 remaining.

Toring, who led the Wolverines with three goals, and Hay traded goals, then Ryan Salceda scored with 2:28 left to set the stage for Paul.