Sailors notch first win

LONG BEACH — One by one, the Newport Harbor High boys’ water polo coaches and players exited the bus.

Coach Jason Lynch was the first off. Some lady, standing next to an ice chest and dozens of lunch bags, asked him how he was doing.

“We’re late!” Lynch said.

The game for one of the lower-level programs was starting in 20 minutes.

Players quickly grabbed their bags and drinks before heading into the indoor pool.

The varsity players had time to enjoy their meals. Their game was two hours away at Belmont Plaza.

The way the Sailors came out, they looked like they were late.

Newport Harbor eventually turned it on after the opening period to win its first game of the year. The Sailors scored seven straight goals to beat host Long Beach Wilson, 10-3, Tuesday night.

Varsity again had time to kill. One of the lower-level programs played right after.

During this time, Lynch talked about what his team needed to work on.

“I thought we had a slow start again,” said Lynch, whose team fell behind four goals and lost its opener against visiting Foothill, 6-5, last Saturday. “We were one for seven [on the power play] last game. Not much better [this time at three for seven].

“We were good this summer. I have no idea what’s going on. No idea.

“It could take the whole season [to regain our form]. It is definitely a work in progress.”

Time is on Newport Harbor’s side.

Lynch expects the best out of his team. When the Sailors are the defending CIF Southern Section Division I champions, every team is gunning for them.

His players understand.

Lynch has high hopes for Newport Harbor, even though the preseason coaches’ poll ranks the school No. 9 in Division I.

“We’re better than that,” Lynch said.

Against the Bruins, the Sailors showed how superior they can be in the water.

In the first seven minutes, Long Beach Wilson, ranked No. 7 in Division II, made it a 1-1 game with physical play. It cost the Bruins.

One of their better players, senior Matthew Schechter picked up two exclusions. With him out, the Sailors began to roll.

Senior Andy Hayes and junior Matt Russell scored on consecutive six-on-five advantages.

The goals, set up by junior Zach Lucas, came 97 seconds apart.

The onslaught continued.

On quick counterattacks, senior Zach Osadche scored, followed by senior David Linden and Osadche again to give Newport Harbor a commanding 6-1 lead at halftime.

Osadche’s second goal came on a long pass from senior goalie Nick Holbrook, who made nine saves.

Linden led the Sailors with three goals and Russell and junior Blake Kelly each scored twice.

In his first start, Osadche proved to Lynch that he can be a fixture in the team’s attack.

“It feels nice after coming back from that Foothill loss,” Osadche said. “We’re still working. We’re still trying to get in shape, trying to get like the team cooperating together.”

Nonleague

Newport Harbor 10,

Long Beach Wilson 3

SCORE BY QUARTERS

NH – Linden 3, Russell 2, Kelly 2, Osadche 2, Hayes. Saves – Holbrook 9.

LBW – Kennedy 2, Vogalzang 1. Saves – Ward 1.

DAVID CARRILLO PEÑALOZA may be reached at (714) 966-4612 or at david.carrillo@latimes.com.