Kim Rules the Pool in Servite’s Victory

Junior Michael Kim was outstanding at both ends of the pool in helping top-seeded Servite to a 10-7 victory over University in the Southern Section Division II semifinals Saturday at Newport Harbor High.

Playing the hole most of the game, Kim scored four goals, had three assists and three steals.

“I’m really not surprised at the level he played at because I’ve always known he’s capable of that,” Servite Coach Jim Sprague said.

Servite (25-3) plays Sunset League champion Marina in the finals Wednesday at Belmont Plaza Pool.

Kim has been a big part of Servite’s offense this season. But Saturday’s play, which included a shot where he turned an opponent, went under water and came up doing a 360 to flick the ball in for a goal, was something special.

University Coach Jon Pendleton said it simply enough: “Kim was just too much.”

On defense, Kim, along with Servite’s top defensive player, Eric Woolery, created havoc for University at the set and four-meter position.

Although Servite never quite lost control of the game, University turned the momentum for a short time at the end of the second quarter.

After Servite took a 5-1 lead with 3 minutes 53 seconds left in the second quarter, the Trojans came back with goals by John Drachman and Scott Swanson.

Ted Peck opened the third quarter with a goal to bring University (23-7) within one goal. But Servite’s defense tightened up and goals by Woolery, Jarrod Cruzat, Dane Jensen and Kim put Servite up, 9-5.

Peck scored again for the Trojans to open the fourth quarter but Servite answered with a Mike Rustemeyer goal 17 seconds later to put the game out of reach.