THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. (Oct. 22, 2008) – For the first time since 2005 the Tigers were victorious over Cal Lutheran University. Today # 6 Occidental led from the start en route to a 6-5 upset of the Kingsmen, who were ranked fourth in the Western Water Polo that was released earlier today.

As he has done all season, senior Andrew Valdes, the nation's third leading scorer, led the attack with four goals in the first half to give the Tigers a 4-3 advantage at the break.

CLU looked to Matt Heagy for two of their three first half goals. He would add a third in the second half to lead all Kingsmen.

Occidental converted 2-of-4 man-up advantages to put the Tigers up by scored of 4-2 and 5-3 with goals from Abiel Garcia and Jake Santelli, respectively

Oxy held the Kingsmen 0-for-5 on power play chances with the Max Kelly blocking two penalty shots,  both in game-tying opportunities.

Overall Kelly made nine saves as did his CLU counterpart Jordan Bouey.

Earlier this season Occidental lost a close 11-9 game to Cal Lutheran during the CLU Fall Tournament, thus the victory ends a streak of six consecutive losses to the Kingsmen.

The win evens the Tigers' SCIAC record at 1-1 as they hold a 9-12 overall mark. Saturday, Oct. 25 Occidental will play at Taylor Pool for the first time this season when they host the University of Redlands (16-7, 1-0).