The pandemic nearly prevented brothers Eli and Ben Liechty from showing their capabilities as a high school water polo duo.
But thanks to a late approval that savaged a few weeks of the boys season, the Newport Harbor siblings will get the chance to leave a lasting impression.
The pair started strongly on Thursday night, March 4, combining to scored seven goals to lead the Sailors to a 14-5 against Corona del Mar in a Battle of the Bay rivalry match at Newport Harbor High.
Eli, a senior center committed to UCLA, scored three goals and drew a penalty shot, while Ben, a left-handed sophomore attacker, netted a match-high four goals and blocked two power-play shots in the field.
Early in the second period, Eli scored on the man-advantage off a cross-pass from Ben that opened a 4-1 lead and set the stage for more highlights to come. The brothers scored back-to-back goals early in the third to push the lead to 8-3. Ben later found Eli for an another assist on the man-advantage in the fourth.
Newport Harbor’s chemistry wasn’t limited to the brothers. The Sailors converted their 6 of their first 10 chance on the power-play, showing slick passing and teamwork.
Eli and Ben both played on the Sailors’ 2019 squad that finished as the CIF Division 1 runner-up but they weren’t in leading roles like they will be this spring. The boys season was delayed because of the pandemic but is scheduled to run through March 20.
Newport Harbor’s other top duo was in goal with sophomores Cooper Mathisrud and Alex Altshuler combining for 10 saves.
Dylan Hamm paced Coroan del Mar with two goals.
In the girls match, Newport Harbor defeated Corona del Mar, 14-6, behind five goals by Taylor Smith and three by Lily Gess.
Please check back for more results.
from Irvine Business Signs https://ift.tt/3sRYdih
via Irvine Sign Company
