Photo by samsphotoservices.com

Los Angeles, CA — The Occidental men's water polo team started the day off with a win against Redlands Saturday morning, finishing 9-7.  The Tigers and Bulldogs kept it close, trading shots, goals, and turnovers throughout the game.

Oxy won possession on three of the four opening sprints, with junior attacker Kellen Radtkey (Santa Barbara, CA) claiming the ball in the first period and first year attacker Aiden Cawley (Chicago, IL) snagging the ball both times in the second half.  

Although Oxy won the sprint at the beginning of the game, Redlands would be the first to score (Michael Maher).  Not to be outdone in their home pool, Oxy responded quickly and earned the next four goals, a couple of them being lob shots.  In the same sequence by the Redlands offense, junior attacker Dominic Rios (Redlands, CA) and senior goalkeeper Henry Grady (Willow Grove, PA) were able to block shots at the end of the first period, keeping Oxy up, 3-1.  Senior Jasper Lee (South Pasadena, CA) did well guarding the center and helped shut down potential plays by Redlands' Owen Nishimura.  At the end of the first half, Oxy had the advantage over Redlands, 4-3.

In the second half, three of the five Oxy goals would be claimed during powerplays. Senior attacker Joseph Cox (Fresno, CA) opened scoring for the Tigers 40 seconds into the third period.  Redlands' Bradley Clinton would find the net shortly after.  After being setup by Cruz, Cox would score a goal on a powerplay.  Later in the third, Cox would be called for a penalty foul.  Redlands attacker, Tor Cole, would fire a shot to the back of the net, reducing their deficit to two goals (7-5).

Overall, six Tigers scored, with Grosz and Cox taking the charge earning three points apiece.  

In the Tiger cage, Grady had an impressive save percentage of .611 with 11 saves and also earning one assist.

Next Game:  The Tigers play Cerritos College within the next hour at 4 p.m.