LOS ANGELES — A dramatic comeback by the Occidental men's water polo team came up just short in a loss to #10 Connecticut College in the team's home opener on Monday night.
Trailing by as much a six goals in the first half and down by four heading into the final quarter, Oxy mounted a courageous comeback that saw the Tigers to tie the score at 11 with just over four minutes to play in the game.
Senior Sam Akiyama, led the assault for Oxy with a season high five goals, and junior goalie Josh Needleman came off the bench in the second half to record eight saves, while allowing just four goals.
Akiyama added three steals and drew a team high four exclusions in the match, but it wasn't enough to hold off the Camels who would score three of the game's final five goals to preserve the win.
Oxy's only lead in the game came early in the first quarter behind goals from Akiyama and junior Matt Munet. Connecticut then went on a five goal run and would go up by a 10-5 margin at the half before the Tigers would turn things around.
Oxy struggled with their shooting all evening as the Tigers made just 13 of 30 shots on goal. The Tigers managed to out draw the Camels 16-8 in exclusions, but could only convert seven of their power player opportunities in the game.
According to Head Coach Larry Zubrin, Oxy's inability to score in man-up situation was the difference maker.
"At one point in the first half we missed five straight 6on5's. We had every opportunity to control the game early, but we were just too tentative on the offensive end." Zubrin explained.
The Tigers offensive output improved in the second half, thanks to a stellar performance on the defensive end led by Needleman. Oxy's pressing defense led to low percentage shots that the goalie handled with ease, setting up several counter attack goals the got the Tigers back in the game.
"We just came out flat. Once we woke up it looked like we'd pull away, but I give credit to Coach Anderson and his team. They lost momentum but managed to find a way to win the game." Zubrin said.
At one point from the middle of the second quarter until the middle of the fourth Oxy had outscored Connecticut 8-2.
Connecticut managed to hang on late in the game. With a one goal lead and less than a minute to play the Camels scored from long range with the shot clock winding down. The goal put Connecticut up by two with :20 left to play. Oxy managed one more score, but time would be their biggest enemy as the buzzer sounded before the Tigers could retain possession leaving Oxy one goal short in the end.
In spite of the loss Oxy put up one of their better games statistically so far in 2014. Seven different Tigers netted at least one goal while the teams 15 steals and 11 assists were both season highs. The 16 exclusions drawn were also the most by Oxy this season.
"It's a tough loss, but definitely one that can prepare us for our conference games later in the season." Zubrin said. "It's not the first time we've come out flat this season, but I think considering how well we played most of the second half, I believe the guys can really recognize how important it is to be mentally prepared before you start."
The Tigers hit the road again next weekend with a four game set at the Gary Troyer Convergence, hosted by Pomona-Pitzer. The Tigers will match up against Fordham University, Gannon University, Penn State Behrend, and George Washington over the two day East meets West extravaganza.
BOX SCORE 1st 2nd 3rd 4th TOTAL
Occidental 3 2 2 6 13
Connecticut 5 5 1 3 14
Occidental Stats:
Goals/Attempts: Akiyama-5/8, Bergevin-2/5, Heffner-2/7, Munet-1/2, Russell-1/2, Franscioni-1/1, Sinclair-1/2, Virshup-0/1, Rothwell-0/1, Rodrgiuez-0/1
Steals: Florsheim-2, Needleman-1, Munet-3, Russell-1, Rodrgiuez-1, Rothwell-1, Franscioni-1, Akiyama-3, Sinclair-1, Heffner-1
Assists: Sinclair-2, Bergevin-2, Floresheim-1, Needleman-1, Munet-1, Franscioni-1, Akiyama-1, Heffner-1, Virshup-1
Turn-Overs: Munet-3, Heffner-3, Rothwell-2, Sinclair-2, Rodrgiuez-1, Weiser-1, Bergevin-1, Akiyama-1
Field Blocks: Akiyama-1
Exclusions/Drawn: Munet-1/4, Russell-0/1, Rodrgiuez-2/2, Weiser-1/1, Rothwell-0/1, Bergevin-1/0, Heffner-2/2, Akiyama-1/4, Sinclair-0/1
Saves/Goals Allowed: Florsheim 4/10, Needleman 8/4
