Sea Kings advance

CORONA DEL MAR — Max Bergeson says that when he has his shot blocked on a five-meter penalty shot it’s demoralizing. But the Corona del Mar High senior knows not to let it get to him.

In a wild CIF Southern Section Division I quarterfinal boys’ water polo match, Bergeson used it as motivation. He scored the game-winning goal with four seconds left to lift the Sea Kings past visiting Ventura, 15-14, Friday.

With two seconds left on the shot clock, Bergeson threw a cross-cage lob shot that hit the bar and went in, CdM Coach Barry O’Dea said.

CdM (24-5) returns to the semifinals for the first time in four years and will play against Back Bay rival Newport Harbor Wednesday at 5 p.m at Irvine High.

Bergeson, who missed twice on penalty-shot attempts, scored five goals and also helped produce some clutch defense. Ventura called a timeout after Bergeson’s goal. The Cougars set up an outside shot, but Bergeson teamed up with junior Evan Ramsey to block it. The duo blocked another last-second shot to secure the victory, O’Dea said.

“It was a huge rush,” Bergeson said of scoring the game-winner. “I did not expect that to go in. I didn’t even know what was going on. The first thing I thought was: did it go in?”

Ramsey had three goals, as did senior Justin Papa and junior Chase Watson. Senior Blake Terry added one goal and junior Bruce Bearer recorded 12 saves.

“The Ventura kids played their hearts out,” O’Dea said. “It’s that desperation thing. They didn’t want their season to end. We had a couple of defensive breakdowns. But my boys, they showed a lot of poise again. They came through earlier this season against Mater Dei and in the El Toro win. That’s one of the big advantages that my team has. They have a lot of experience in these close games.”

CdM and Ventura entered the fourth quarter tied, 11-11. The teams tied again at 13-13 after Papa scored. But Ventura went up, 14-13, with two minutes remaining.

Ramsey scored with 1:41 left to tie the game and set up Bergeson’s dramatics.

Now the Sea Kings turn their attention to their rival. Newport Harbor has beaten CdM twice this year, a 10-9 win in the Battle of the Bay Oct. 24, and a 7-5 triumph in the semifinals of the Finis Memorial Cup Oct. 31.

“With the history of games, I don’t think it makes a whole lot of difference,” O’Dea said. “I know my guys are fired up and they’re ready to play this game. History doesn’t mean anything. We’re going to put our best effort and go for it.”

The Sea Kings and Sailors last met in the CIF Division I semifinals in 2005, when Newport Harbor won in overtime, 13-12. That was O’Dea’s first year as CdM coach, but he wasn’t able to be at the game. He received a red card in the quarterfinals and missed the semifinal match.

O’Dea said he is excited for Wednesday’s game. Bergeson is also anxious.

“I’m feeling good about it, he said. “I think we’re ready. It’s definitely going to be a good game.”

— From staff reports