PHOTOS: Northwood stays undefeated with 14-8 victory over Riverside Poly

Junior Josh Sellwood takes a shot for Northwood Tuesday. (Photos courtesy Michael An, For OC Sports Zone)

Northwood’s boys water polo team improved its record to 5-0 with a 14-8 victory over Riverside Poly Tuesday at Northwood.

To see the slide show, please click on the first photo

Chris Pukszta looks to pass off Tuesday for Northwood.

Northwood sophomore Leo Giessmann take a shot in Tuesday's match.

Junior Cameron An (No. 8) battles for control Tuesday.

Northwood senior Nicholas Micelli looks for a teammate Tuesday.

Northwood Coach Kyle Kim-E (kneeling) talks to his players during a timeout.

Northwood senior Max Abravanel defends during Tuesday's match.

Riverside Poly is ranked 17th in the CIF Division 1-2 poll. Northwood is sixth in Division 3.

Offensively, sophomore Leo Giessmann led the way for Northwood with four goals.

Juniors Josh Sellwood and Cameron An each scored three goals, while senior Nicholas Miceli chipped in a goal. Senior co-captains Max Abravanel and Chris Pukszta each scored one goal to completete the Timberwolves scoring.

Abravanel also contributed a team-leading six steals and four assists. Senior goalkeeper Adrian Fontao turned in another solid performance with nine saves. 

“We knew that Riverside Poly was going to be a tough team,” said Northwood Coach Kyle Kim-Em. “We purposely scheduled this game because we knew it would be good preparation for the upcoming South Coast tournament, where every game expects to be tough and competitive. 

“It was a great team win, where everyone on our roster got the opportunity to play. We had Max match up with Riverside’s strongest player, which forced him to focus more on defense than offense. So, It was nice to see several guys step up to provide the offense that we needed. 

“We seem to be clicking more and more as a team with each game that goes by and I’m looking forward to see where this team ends up.”