CLAREMONT – The Occidental College men's water polo team recovered from an early three-goal deficit, but a slow second quarter was the downfall as its comeback bid fell short in a 16-7 loss at No. 3 Pomona-Pitzer on Saturday.

After conceding three goals in the first two minutes, Oxy was able to tie up the game at 4-4 after the first quarter on the back of Kevin Coleman, who notched a hat trick in the opening frame.

But the Pomona-Pitzer came out strong after the break, going on a 9-1 run spilling into the third quarter to effectively put the game away.

The Tigers battled back in the third, outscoring the Sagehens 2-1, but they failed to convert on five fourth quarter power plays which hampered any comeback attempt.

Coleman led the Tigers with three goals and now has 27 on the season with five hat tricks.

Patrick Maloney added two goals while Dylan Rothwell and Matt Munet scored once each to round out the scoring for the Tigers.

Patrick Fish and Josh Needleman split duties in net and combined for 14 saves.

The Tigers return home to face Whittier next Saturday at 11 a.m.