Northwood’s Leo Giessmann takes a shot as Beckman’s Elijah Clark defends Tuesday. (Photos courtesy Michael An, For OC Sports Zone)
Northwood’s boys water polo team jumped out to a quick two goal lead and never looked back defeating Beckman 8-5 in a Pacific Coast League match Tuesday at Northwood.
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The match featured two teams ranked in the top top of CIF Division 3: No. 3 Beckman and No. 7 Northwood. Northwood (11-3, 3-1) moved into second place with the win.
“It’s a very big win, we always know that Beckman is going to be a very well coached team,” said Northwood Coach Kyle Kim-E. “This year they happen to be ranked No. 3 in Division 3 so they are a tough divisional opponent but also we’re trying to hang in there in the Pacific Coast League and Woodbridge is still really tough to beat.”
Northwood jumped out to a two goal lead in the opening minutes on consecutive goals by Leo Giessmann.
The Timberwolves led 5-3 at halftime. Beckman cut the lead to 6-5 on a goal by Eli Schwarz late in the third quarter however Northwood extended its lead to 8-5 early in the final stanza.
Giessmann wound up with three goals and Max Abravanel added two for Northwood. Christopher Pukszta, Josh Sellwood and Nicholas Micelli added one goal each for Northwood. Goalie Adrian Fontao had an excellent game, notching 11 saves.
“It’s going to be tough but at least this one gives us a little breathing room to hopefully rebound and try and play a good game against Woodbridge,” Kim-E said.
Bradley Clansen led Beckman (8-5, 2-2) with two goals.
-Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com
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