PHOTOS: Northwood reaches semifinals with thrilling 6-5 overtime win over Westlake

Northwood’s Leo Giessmann takes a shot in Saturday’s match against Westlake. (Photos courtesy Michael An, For OC Sports Zone)

Northwood High’s boys water polo team is headed to the CIF Division 3 semifinals Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. against Santa Barbara in the Woollett Aquatics Complex.

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Northwood's boys water polo team, coached by Kyle Kim-E, is headed to the semifinals.

Max Abravanel of Northwood takes a shot in Saturday's match.

Northwood goalie Adrian Fontao gets ready to make a stop Saturday.

Northwood's Chris Pukszta applies defensive pressure against Westlake.

Nicholas Miceli of Northwood applies defensive pressure against Westlake.

The Timberwolves advanced with a 6-5 quarterfinal round victory in overtime over Westlake High Saturday in Westlake.

It’s the second time in four seasons that the Timberwolves have advanced to the semifinal round.

Senior co-captains Max Abravanel and Chris Pukszta were freshmen varsity members of Northwood’s 2016 Division 4 semifinal run, noted Coach Kyle Kim-E.

In Saturday’s match, Northwood trailed by a goal in the fourth quarter but tied it up on a goal by Abravanel in the final 18 seconds of the quarter.

Junior Cameron An scored the solo goal of overtime to give the Timberwolves the victory.

Sophomore Leo Giessmann scored one goal and had a team high of six steals, Kim-E said. Abravanel had four goals and five steals. Junior Josh Sellwood helped coordinate the offense recording a team high four assists and senior goalkeeper Adrian Fontao had six saves.

“We knew that this was going to be a very physical, big, and tough Westlake team,” Kim-E said. “We had trouble converting some of our offensive opportunities today, but played our best defensive game of the season. Holding Westlake to five goals is ultimately what made us win.”

Now, the Timberwolves are one step closer to a CIF title.

“Before coaching at Northwood, one of my own personal goals was to get back to the semifinals or finals on Woollett’s pool deck.” Kim-E said. “And although we made the D4 semifinals in 2016, we had to travel to Yucaipa and it just didn’t have the same vibe as it does when you’re at Woollett. It feels amazing that we were able to accomplish this as a team and program in five seasons.

“This Northwood team that will be there on Wednesday is a group of hard-working, committed, and determined players that have pushed themselves each and every day to get there. I am extremely proud of them and we know that we will face a very tough and experienced Santa Barbara team that played in the semi-finals last year. But, I know that this team is also fearless and are looking forward to the challenge.”