Photo By Toby Gassner
Thousand Oaks, CA — The Occidental men's water polo team was hosted by Cal Lutheran on Saturday. Each team was primed for the game and kept the score close. Unfortunately for the Tigers, Cal Lutheran earned a win in their home pool, 11-9.
At the start of the game, Cal Lutheran got a jump on the Tigers, scoring the first two goals (Stephen Blaauw and Parker Jory). Oxy senior Wilson Noll (Ann Arbor, MI) opened up scoring for the Tigers with his goal just over two minutes into the game. After Noll, there was another Cal Lutheran goal by Parker Jory, his second goal of the game. However, Oxy was quick to respond. To close out the first period, Cian Concannon (Mill Valley, CA), Jarrod Nortan (Newbury Park, CA), Christian Guillaume (Ventura, CA) each found the net and gave the Tigers a lead, 4-3. In the second period, Cal Lu was determined to get ahead and was able to score three goals to Oxy's one. Senior attacker Joseph Cox (Fresno, CA) was able to reduce the deficit with his goal. Oxy down by one going into the half, 6-5.
Oxy came out after the half ready to fight. Junior attacker Keegan Klein (Bellevue, WA) was the first Tiger to score in the second half. Oxy was able to outscore Cal Lu in the third period (3-2). Daniel Cruz (São Paulo, Brasil) and Concannon with his second goal of the day brought the game to a tie, eight all. However, the fourth period would be the deciding factor and Oxy was unable to maintain momentum. Cal Lu was able to score three and keep Oxy to just one. Norton's second goal of the game with a minute and a half left on the clock was also the final Oxy goal. The game ended in Cal Lu's favor, 11-9.
Overall, seven Tigers scored with five athletes earning assists. The Tigers were led by Jarrod Norton and Cian Concannon who each had two goals apiece.
Despite the loss, junior goalkeeper Cole Ivie (Agoura Hills, CA) had a great game with 11 saves and a save percentage of .500. Ivie and the defense were able to keep Cal Lutheran from scoring in the first four minutes of the last period.
Next Game: On Wednesday, October 13, the Tigers head to Whittier for a 7:00 p.m. game.
