Sea Kings Defeat University, Clinch Share of League Title

Corona del Mar clinched at least a share of its second consecutive Pacific Coast League boys’ water polo title with a 12-5 victory over University Wednesday at Corona del Mar.

The Sea Kings (15-2, 4-0), the top-ranked team in the county and the Southern Section Division II poll, will play Costa Mesa for the outright title next Wednesday.

University (14-7, 3-1), ranked No. 10, was hoping to carry the momentum of last week’s upset of Laguna Beach, then ranked No. 8, into Wednesday’s game, but the Corona del Mar offense put the Trojans in a hole early and its defense kept them there.

The Sea Kings focused their defense on University’s Ted Peck, a senior two-meter player and the team’s leading scorer with 81 goals. But unlike in its victory over Laguna Beach in which Peck was held scoreless, the rest of the Trojans failed to pick up the slack.

Corona del Mar’s Mike March smothered Peck in the post, and the rest of the Sea King defense pushed the Trojans back, allowing few close-range shots. Peck, a member of the Junior National team, scored three goals but took only six shots. His frustration was apparent during timeouts, as he tried to fire up his teammates.

“There were a couple of times he was open,” University Coach Jon Pendleton said. “We just didn’t get the ball to him. Their defense is really good.”

Bobby Messenger scored twice to give Corona del Mar a 2-0 lead before Peck scored his first goal with 3 minutes 45 seconds remaining in the first quarter. A goal by Artie Dorr and two by Garrett Bowlus gave the Sea Kings a 5-1 lead, before Peck scored his second goal near the end of the first half.

The Sea Kings put the game out of reach with four goals in the third quarter for a 9-3 lead.

“They are really good,” Pendleton said. “We weren’t really crisp today. But good teams make you look bad.”

Messenger and Chris Street each scored three goals for Corona del Mar. Dorr, Bowlus and March each had two.

Peter Fyfe and Stephan Graessli had goals for the Trojans.