CdM stops Newport Harbor on third try (video)

NEWPORT BEACH - Corona del Mar's boys water polo team got its third chance against rival Newport Harbor, and made the most of it.

Attackers Brian Schiefer and Max Bergeson combined for seven goals as the No. 9 Sea Kings defeated the No. 5 Sailors, 10-8, in a nonleague match at Corona del Mar on Saturday night.

Schiefer scored two of his match-high four goals in the fourth period. Bergeson finished with three.

Newport Harbor (14-6) handled the Sea Kings (13-7) twice earlier this season in consolation matches at the South Coast Tournament and S & R Sport Cup. The Sailors won, 10-6 and 12-5.

“I knew we were a better team than we played in those past two games,” Corona del Mar coach Barry O'Dea said. “I'm just proud of my team tonight.”

Corona del Mar led, 8-6, going into the fourth. Schiefer netted the first strike of the period on the highlight play of the fourth. With the shot clock about to expire, he blasted a skip shot from about 8 meters off the bottom of the cross-post and into the goal for a 9-6 lead with 4:52 left.

Newport Harbor responded with a counterattack goal by Blake Kelly with 4:03 left. The Sailors appeared to have another counterattack goal in the making but goalie Isle Anderson came out for a critical steal with about 3:30 left.

Schiefer then scored off a pass from Michael Liao to give the Sea Kings a 10-7 lead with 3:11 left.

“Brian Schiefer played the game of his life tonight,” O'Dea said of the senior.

Anderson also played one his better matches, finishing with seven saves.

Corona del Mar outscored Newport Harbor, 4-2, in the second period to open a 6-4 lead at halftime. Schiefer and Carter Taylor each scored goals started by strong drives toward the cage.

Matt Russell, Andy Hayes and David Linden each scored twice for the Sailors.

Contact the writer: dalbano@ocregister.com