Girls water polo: CdM defeats Edison, lose to LB Wilson

Joseph Boo

CORONA DEL MAR - Corona del Mar High’s girls water polo team had

less than 24 hours to forget its tough 9-7 loss to University. The Sea

Kings had to start competition in the Irvine Southern California

Championships at home Thursday.

CdM, ranked No. 4 in CIF Southern Section Division IV, opened the

tournament on the right track, getting a 5-3 win over Edison. But

Division I’s No. 2 Long Beach Wilson just pulled out an 8-7 win over CdM.

The Sea Kings are now in the battle for ninth place.

In the first game, CdM (13-9) pulled out a gritty victory over the

Chargers (10-10). Melinda Tucker scored twice in the first quarter as CdM

took a quick 2-0 lead. But Edison tied the game with a quick flourish of

its own.

That 2-0 Edison streak was the only time CdM allowed the Chargers to run

much of an offense. CdM’s defense, led by Christina Hewko’s tenacious

play, forced constant turnovers. CdM goalie Arin Hendrickson deterred

Edison with four saves.

The Sea Kings’ defense was in stark contrast to Wednesday’s game against

Uni, when CdM blew a 6-1 lead in the second half.

“Our girls responded by playing hard,” CdM Coach John Vargas said. “It’s

tough for the girls to focus because of finals. School is obviously the

most important thing. But the girls are frustrated because they just

started to play well, and they have a lot of other things to focus on.”

Hewko’s four-meter goal gave CdM a 3-2 halftime lead. Danielle Carlson

scored twice in the second half to offset Edison’s goal, and the Sea

Kings prevailed.

In the second game, Long Beach Wilson (16-5) and CdM were locked in a

close battle, but the Bruins just edged the Sea Kings in the fourth

quarter. Cassie Azevedo led the Bruins with four goals.

“Long Beach Wilson is a very good team team,” Vargas said. “Cassie

Azevedo, she’s a dominant player. It was going to be very tough to beat

them.”

Hendrickson kept the Sea Kings afloat against the Bruins’ powerful

offense, making 10 saves. Tucker and Hayley Hapeman each scored twice for

CdM. Carlson, Hewko and Lindsay Daley each had one CdM goal.

The tournament continues for the Sea Kings today, who will host Villa

Park, at 5 p.m.

IRVINE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CHAMPIONSHIPS

First round

Corona del Mar 5, Edison 3

Score by quarters

Edison 2 0 1 0 - 3

Corona del Mar 2 1 1 1 - 5

Edison - Andersen 2, Malczynski 1. Saves - Wilkes 7.

Corona del Mar - Tucker 2, Carlson 2, Hewko 1. Saves - Hendrickson 4.

Second round

Long Beach Wilson 8, Corona del Mar 7

Score by quarters

Corona del Mar 2 2 2 1 - 7

Long Beach Wilson 3 2 1 2 - 8

Corona del Mar - Hapeman 2, Tucker 2, Carlson 1, Daley 1, Hewko 1. Saves

- Hendrickson 10.

Long Beach Wilson - Azevedo 4, Hogan 2, Bell 1, Ebright 1. Saves - Barr

7.