Sage Hill, Sea Kings look to advance

Both the Sage Hill School and Corona del Mar High boys’ soccer teams will face surprising opponents today in the second round of the playoffs.

The Lightning (15-0-2) travel to take on Ontario Christian (12-8-2) in the second round of the CIF Southern Section Division VI playoffs. Ontario Christian advanced from the wild card round to upset Avalon in the first round Saturday, at 3 p.m.

Orange (10-4-4) will play host to the Sea Kings (9-11-2) at 3 p.m. at El Modena High in the second round of the Division III playoffs. Orange upset Santa Ana Valley, which was ranked No. 7 at the end of the regular season, 2-1 in overtime.

After two straight years of crushing losses in the first round of the playoffs, the Sea Kings have a manageable path to the semifinals. Of the four schools Corona del Mar is vying for a semifinal slot with, each scored an upset to get where they are now and none were league champions.

If the Sea Kings were to advance to the quarterfinals they would face either Saddleback or Warren. Saddleback (11-17-4) emerged from the wild card round to upset No. 2-seeded Bellflower, 4-3. Warren (8-11-2) edged Del Rio League champion El Rancho, 4-3, in penalty kicks.

CdM has won four of its past five games after going 2-8-2.

The Lightning face a different route through the playoffs. For the second consecutive game, Sage Hill will face a team which advanced from the wild card round. The Lightning will not face a team that finished the season ranked until at least the semifinals, where the possibilities include Don Bosco Tech (17-4-1) or Viewpoint (17-0-6).