Northwood knocks off El Toro in water polo

Northwood was introduced as a team instead of individually before the start of Wednesday's water polo match against El Toro.

Though the message was clear, it was hard to deny three players' roles in the team's win over the Chargers.

Behind strong play from goalie James Hartshorne and the goal-scoring tandem of Travis Noll and John Colton, the No. 7 Timberwolves surprised No. 2 El Toro, 11-9, in overtime in the Sea View League opener at El Toro High.

It was the second loss this season for the Chargers.

"Defense was the difference," Northwood coach Chris French said. "We got the stops when we needed them. Hartshorne was just phenomenal."

The saves often came in spectacular form from Hartshorne, who finished with 11 saves, including four stops at point-blank range.

He plays club water polo with several of the Chargers (12-2), including Spencer White. In his time with club, Hartshorne has learned their tendencies, he said.

"I watched them all summer long," Hartshorne said. "We definitely knew they were a counter team. We were looking for our counter defense. We just knew we had nothing to lose."

Hartshorne also plays club with Chargers goalie Tommy O'Connell, who turned in a solid performance with nine saves. O'Connell was put in tough position after tough position because the Chargers had trouble defending the middle.

Colton exploited the holes early, scoring two of his four goals in the first two minutes. Noll, who finished with a game-high five goals, added two more scores, and the Timberwolves (6-6) led, 4-1, after one quarter.

"It was huge," Hartshorne said of the start. "We knew they would come hauling back. It was good to get a lead like that."

El Toro did come back, but it took until the end of the game to catch Northwood. Taking advantage of a 6 on 5, Nick Rascon's goal tied it at 8 with 1:10 remaining in the game. It was one of five man-advantages for El Toro, which converted two. Northwood failed on its only power-play opportunity.

Dustin Hyashi scored the only goal of the first overtime to put Northwood ahead, 9-8. Colton and Noll each scored once in the second overtime, extending the Timberwolves' margin to 11-8.