THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — Occidental College fell to California Lutheran University 10-8 in a closely contested conference matchup at Samuelson Aquatics Center on Wednesday. Despite a second-quarter surge where Occidental scored four goals, Cal Lutheran maintained their lead throughout the game. The Tigers capitalized on power plays, scoring four goals during man-up opportunities, but it was not enough to overcome Cal Lutheran's two penalty shot goals.

Cal Lutheran started strong, with Jack Bradbury scoring twice in the first quarter, including a penalty shot, helping establish a 3-0 lead by the quarter's end. Occidental responded in the second quarter with goals from Max Stone and Jake Eulenhoefer, but Cal Lutheran maintained control, with scores from Max Gerdeman and Nic Mastropoalo extending their lead to 8-4 by halftime. The third quarter saw the Tigers attempting a comeback, as Stone and Eulenhoefer each found the net again, closing the gap to 9-7. However, Cal Lutheran's Merrick Giles added to the tally, ensuring a 10-7 lead. Despite a late push from Occidental with a goal by Loron Washburn, Cal Lutheran held on for a 10-8 victory, capitalizing on two penalty shots and outshooting Occidental with 27 attempts to the Tigers' 30.

Max Stone led the charge with two goals and an assist on six shots, while also contributing defensively with two steals and a block. Zane Derrod supported the offense by scoring once and adding two assists, alongside recording two steals. Jake Eulenhoefer was efficient in front of the net, converting three of his five shots into goals. Jack Schroeder stood out in goal, making eight saves and adding three steals to his performance.

Occidental Top Performers

Zane Derrod
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- 1 goal
- 2 assists
- 2 steals

Max Stone
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- 2 goals
- 1 assist
- 2 steals

Jake Eulenhoefer
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- 3 goals

Jack Schroeder
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- 8 saves
- 3 steals

In their next game, Occidental will take on Caltech on Wednesday, Nov. 5. The matchup is set for a 7 p.m. start in Pasadena, California.

Occidental holds an overall record of 9-16 and stands 4-3 in SCIAC conference play. Cal Lutheran maintains an overall record of 9-10 with a 2-5 mark in SCIAC competition.