PHOTOS: Northwood advances to second round with 16-5 road victory over Segerstrom

Max Abravanel of Northwood takes a shot as Brendan Mai Ha of Segerstrom defends. (Photos courtesy Michael An, For OC Sports Zone)

About a year ago, Northwood’s boys water polo team, No. 2 seeded in the CIF Division 3 playoffs, was upset by Segerstrom 12-8 in the quarterfinal round of post-season play.

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The Timberwolves were determined to avoid an upset Tuesday evening in the opening round of the CIF Division 3 playoffs at Segerstrom.

Northwood scored three quick goals to set the tempo and then went on to defeat Segerstrom, the Golden West League champion, 16-5 to advance into the second round of the playoffs at home against Costa Mesa Thursday at 4:30 p.m.

The quarterfinals of the 32-team division are Saturday.

“We have a lot of guys who are returning from last year,” said Northwood Coach Kyle Kim-E. “So I think a lot of them were motivated because they remembered how they felt when they lost in the quarters to Segerstrom.

“I think that motivation turned into a little bit of jittery nerves in the second half, but I thought we played a good consistent game overall.”

Leo Giessmann, who scored the first three goals and Max Abravanel, each had five goals to lead the Timberwolves.

“The starters came out and we were ready to go,” Abravanel said. “We talked a lot about this game. Last year we played them in the quarterfinals. That was a tough loss, so we wanted to come out and start strong and just win the game in the first quarter. We wanted to redeem ourselves.”

Northwood did just that taking a 6-1 lead after one quarter and a 9-2 advantage at halftime.

Chris Pukszta added three goals for Northwood.

Segerstrom (16-13) was led by Christopher Vasquez, who had four goals and Armando Valenzuela who had one.

“We have a really young team and they were committed to rising to the occasion and showing they can get it done on a down year too,” Segerstrom Coach Michael Varela said.

“Northwood is a very aggressive, strong team. We’re really young so their momentum early on just threw us off. Once we kind of got our heads straight, it was almost too late. That team is a really hard working group so it’s great to have a test like that.”

Vasquez, a junior, has been solid all year for the Jaguars.

“Vasquez is a strong athlete and an outstanding worker,” Varela said. “He’s our only returner from last year’s team.”

Northwood will now get ready to meet Costa Mesa Saturday. Time will be announced.

“We can go all the way if we play our game and don’t under-estimate any opponent,” Abravanel said. “I think we can win it all. We have a good chance. We’re not afraid of anyone.”

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