CLAREMONT, Calif. (Oct. 3, 2009) – It was déjà vu for the Occidental College men's water polo team today as they won the opening game of the day, falling in the second. The Tigers opened up play on Saturday with a 14-7 victory over Washington & Jefferson at Pomona-Pitzer's Haldeman Pool before Division I Air Force tore past the Tigers 14-4 leaving Oxy at 2-2 on the weekend.

In the morning, Oxy looked to freshman Joe Reynolds who had a breakout game scoring four goals in four chances while dishing out three assists. Sophomore Brendan Whitemore and junior Austen Oliver combined for six more goals and Oliver was responsible for five drawn ejections while Whitemore drew three of his own.

Max Kelly took the first three quarters in front of the goal, blocking five shots before giving way to Scott Churchman in the fourth period. The freshman made two saves for the Tigers. In other defensive action, Reynolds recorded the only field block of the game and Greg Benz stole the ball twice.

The final game of the weekend was possibly the most challenging one as Oxy scored just four times against Air Force. Oxy spread out the scoring with Oliver, Whiteman, Benz and Chirchman, who also plays in the field, finding the back of the net for the black and orange. Kyle Reuther got in front off the cage for a quarter and blocked five shots, allowing just one goal.

Occidental is now 3-8 overall. They will return to the friendly confines of Taylor Pool this week for a three-game home stand. The home opener will be on Thursday, Oct. 8 at 5:00 p.m. against Santa Ana College. Connecticut College comes into town over the weekend and Mt. San Antonio College will serve as the final non-conference tune-up game before Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference play begins.