CdM handles Trojans

CORONA DEL MAR — There was, understandably, some looking ahead for the Corona del Mar High boys’ water polo team Wednesday. But perhaps more pressing for Sea Kings’ players and coaches, the Pacific Coast League contest with visiting University also provided an opportunity to look back with fondness.

The Trojans, a 16-8 victim of the Sea Kings (16-3, 3-0 in league), ranked No. 4 in CIF Southern Section Division I, are coached by Andy Coffman, who spent the last three seasons as an assistant for CdM Coach Barry O’Dea.

Coffman, assisted by former UC Irvine teammate and CdM standout Garrett Gentry, was all smiles in the post-match handshake line, where a couple Sea Kings players offered hugs.

“It was great to see the kids,” said Coffman, whose team (9-9, 1-2) also left an impression by holding the hosts scoreless in the second quarter to face a modest 6-3 halftime deficit. “But I know they wanted to kick my [tail].”

CdM went about doing just that after intermission, scoring six goals in the third quarter and cruising to maintain confidence heading into Saturday’s Battle of the Bay showdown against Newport Harbor, ranked No. 2 in Division I.

The Sea Kings visit Newport Harbor at 5 p.m.

“We mixed it up a lot,” O’Dea said. “We have a big match Saturday that we’re all excited about and we wanted to practice a few things.”

The Sea Kings had 10 players score, including five who notched a pair of goals apiece.

Senior Max Bergeson scored the first two for CdM to erase a 1-0 deficit and get the tide rolling.

Juniors Chase Watson, Will Havercroft, Emery Molnar and Nick Treadway also scored twice, while Bergeson led nine players to record steals with two.

Senior Blake Terry, junior Chris Robertson and senior goalie Isle Anderson had two assists apiece for the winners.

Anderson made three saves after taking over at halftime for junior Bruce Bearer (one save).

O’Dea singled out Bandaruk and Havercroft.

“I thought Bandaruk did a nice job of hustling and creating some opportunities,” O’Dea said.

“And Havercroft did a nice job on the counterattack, and also defending.”

Terry, senior Michael Liao, senior Justin Papa and junior Tyler Wright added to the scoring barrage for Corona del Mar, which has won five straight.

The 16 goals are the second-highest single-game production this season, topped only by 18 against Esperanza on Oct. 6.

Sophomore Ryan Hudash had five goals to pace University.