CdM moves to semis of Holiday Cup

The Sea Kings dominate both of their games on tournament’s first day and advance to semifinals against Foothill.NEWPORT BEACH -- The Corona del Mar High girls’ water polo team didn’t get a lot of competition Thursday during the first day of the Holiday Cup Tournament, outscoring its opponents, 29-3.

The Sea Kings, seeded No. 2 in Group A, plowed through No. 7-seed Santa Ynez, 19-3, in the morning session, then came back and swam past Carlsbad, 10-0, in the afternoon.

Carlsbad was a highly touted team in the CIF San Diego Section, but a coaching change may have the program in flux -- or the Sea Kings may be that dominant.

CdM (6-0) scored at will from two meters and on the counterattack. Katie Indvik, Ashley Chandler, Camille Hewko and Kathryn Bilder netted two goals each.

The Sea Kings established their two-meter set offense right away. Hewko took a pass from Indvik and scored from two meters 24 seconds into the game. Chandler scored off a pass from Sarah Hutchison and Indvik added a goal to give the Sea Kings a 3-0 lead after one quarter.

CdM got its counterattack going in the second quarter. After Tumua Anae made a save, she fired a long pass to Indvik behind the Lancers’ defense. Indvik was fouled from behind and converted the ensuing four-meter penalty shot. Soon after, Hewko one-timed it from two meters off a pass from Indvik to give the Sea Kings a 5-0 lead.

Chandler opened the second half by maneuvering around a Carlsbad defender at two meters and scoring to send the Sea Kings on the way to a lopsided victory.

“The girls played really well; I was stoked,” Corona del Mar Coach Aaron Chaney said.

The Sea Kings recorded their first shutout of the season with help from Anae, who made six saves in three quarters, and Chandler, who held Lancers’ star Forel Davies scoreless.

Davies netted six goals in Carlsbad’s 13-3 victory over University in the morning session. Chandler blanketed her effectively at two meters and beyond.

Chandler had great practice as a two-meter defender in CdM’s alumni game Dec. 28, guarding the likes of Christina Hewko and Jordan Anae.

“Chandler did a great job guarding her (Davies),” Chaney said. “She fronted her and took away the side.”

The Sea Kings take on No. 1-seed Foothill in a semifinal game today at 11:45 a.m. at Newport Harbor. The winner moves to the championship game at 4:05 p.m. at Newport Harbor, against Newport Harbor or Santa Margarita.

Chaney said CdM has never beaten Foothill. Did they get enough competition on the first day of the tournament to prepare for them?

“I hope so,” Chaney said. “Foothill is really good. They have an excellent counterattack and play tough defense.”

Foothill has been on Corona del Mar’s minds since before the season started.

“The girls set goals before the season, and one of their goals is to beat Foothill,” Chaney said.

Holiday Cup Tournament

Corona del Mar 10, Carlsbad 0

Second Round

Score by Quarters