Girls water polo: CdM edged by Long Beach Wilson

Tony Altobelli

CORONA DEL MAR - Before the game, Corona del Mar High girls water

polo coach John Vargas described Thursday’s contest with visiting Long

Beach Wilson, “our biggest test so far this year.”

Well, the grades are in and despite the 7-6 loss, the Sea Kings

received passing grades from the teacher-coach.

“I really feel that we outplayed them out there,” Vargas said. “The

score might not reflect it. We missed out on some scoring opportunities

and didn’t get a couple of key saves when we needed them.”

Christina Hewko scored four of CdM’s six goals to lead the Sea Kings

(3-1) the top team in the CIF Southern Section Division IV preseason

polls.

Hewko was outscored on the Bruins’ side by Cassie Azevedo. The sister

of Olympian Tony Azevedo scored five goals, including the game winner off

a four-meter penalty shot early in the fourth quarter.

Corona del Mar carried a 3-2 advantage into the second quarter before

the Bruins (3-2), ranked No. 5 in Division I, ripped off three straight

goals to take the lead for good.

Wilson’s goalie Ally Barr came up with the save of the game on a

four-meter penalty shot, stopping Hewko.

“They (Long Beach Wilson) were able to score on their penalty shots

and we didn’t,” Vargas said. “Christina will come through for us on those

a majority of the time. This time, the goalie came through and made the

save.”

Both teams scored in the third quarter, but the momentum was starting

to sway toward the Sea Kings.

“We saw them play against Newport earlier in the year and we had

concerns about the physical style of their game,” Vargas said. “But we

were able to match up with them as far as physical play goes, so I was

happy with that. Our perimeter defense as well as our two-meter defense

was outstanding today.”

Azevedo scored for a 7-4 Bruins advantage before CdM mounted a

comeback.

Hewko’s fourth goal of the game cut the lead to 7-5 with 5:33

remaining in the game.

Two minutes later, Jessica Fries found Brittany Bowlus cutting to the

goal and fed her a nice pass. Bowlus scored and the lead was down to one.

The Sea Kings had a 6-on-5 advantage with 1:16 remaining, but Hewko’s

bid to tie the game slammed off the goal post.

From there, the Bruins swam out the clock and held on for the win.

Danielle Carlson added a goal and an assist for the Sea Kings, who

will host cross-town rival Newport Harbor Friday, Dec. 22 at 3:45 p.m.

NONLEAGUE

Long Beach Wilson 7, Corona del Mar 6

Long Beach Wilson 2 3 1 1 - 7

Corona del Mar 3 0 1 2 - 6

Long Beach Wilson - Azevedo 5, Gordin 1, Flores 1. Saves - Barr - 10.

Corona del Mar - Hewko 4, Carlson 1, Bowlus 1. Saves - Wells 10.