CLAREMONT, Calif. (Sept. 12, 2009) – The season opened
against a familiar foe as Occidental College faced off with the
University of Redlands, in a non-conference match-up, to plunge
into the 2009 season. After a tough 12-9 loss at the claws of the
Bulldogs, the Tigers fell to the University of the Pacific 19-4 in
day one of the two-day Inland Empire Tournament.
The Tigers were led offensively by junior Austen
Oliver, who scored five times against Redlands, added a
sixth goal against UoP. He also drew a team-leading four ejections
in the first game and three in the final game of the day. Sophomore
Tai McDermott scored a pair in the loss to
Redlands, with a two assists and three drawn ejections, and also
netted one in the second game of the day.
Joining in the offense against UR were freshman Joe
Reynolds and junior Greg Benz.
Junior goalie Max Kelly recorded 10 saves
against Redlands, adding three steals. McDermott had a team-high
four steals against the Bulldogs.
In the second game of the day, the Tigers were roughed up a bit,
scoring just four times while allowing 19. Dan
Seagren scored the first goal of his collegiate career
while sophomore Brendan Whitemore added the final
score of the afternoon.
For the first time wearing black and orange both Scott
Churchman and Kyle Reuther saw playing
time in front of the cage, making nine and seven saves,
respectively. Sophomore Richard Dybas recorded
three steals in the loss to UoP to lead all Tigers.
Also getting his first taste of collegiate water polo today was
Conrad Fihn.
Occidental will return to Claremont tomorrow
for the second day of the Inland Empire Tournament. They will face
off with a pair of SCIAC schools as they play Whittier College at
10:15 a.m. followed by a meeting with the Leopards from the
University of La Verne at 1:15 p.m.
