LOS ANGELES, Calif. (Nov. 1, 2008) – The blocking prowess of Max Kelly coupled with the continued offensive explosion from senior Andrew Valdes aided the Tigers in notching back-to-back SCIAC wins as they defeated the Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Stags 14-10 in Taylor Pool today.

A gray, gloomy sky had no connection to the outcome for the Tigers as Oxy jumped out to a 5-2 lead after the first quarter and took a 10-4 advantage at the mid-way mark.

Kelly, a junior goalie from Philadelphia, PA, came up huge with a school-record 20-blocks. John Wensman and Cameron Brahmst played pivotal defensive roles with three steals apiece. Occidental prevented 10 6-on-5 conversions by CMS.

Valdes, the nation's third leading scorer, was credited with a pair of field blocks while scoring four goals in only four attempts, dishing out two assists, as well.

Brahmst, Austen Oliver and Greg Benz each netted a pair and Oliver added four assists for the Tigers. Brahmst and Tai McDermott each drew two exclusions as well.

Occidental improves to 11-13 overall and are currently tied with Pomona-Pitzer for third in the SCIAC standings with a 3-2 mark.

The Tigers will be back in the pool on Wednesday, Nov. 5 when they host Caltech on senior day at Taylor Pool. Teams will dive in at 5:00 p.m.