Redlands, CA — Oxy men's water polo played four games this weekend as part of the Inland Empire Classic hosted by the University of Redlands.
GAME 1 vs. UCSB; L 28-8
UC Santa Barbara defeated Occidental with a 28-8 victory at the Thompson Aquatic Center, powered by a 10-goal third quarter.
Occidental started strong with Max Stone scoring at the beginning of the first quarter, but UC Santa Barbara quickly responded with Sam McKenzie equalizing. UCSB then took control with McKenzie and Danilo Dragovic scoring back-to-back, followed by three more goals, including one by Tyler Roller, to lead 7-2. Occidental's Danny Miller and Stone each added power-play goals to close the gap to 8-5 by the end of the second quarter. However, UCSB dominated the third quarter with a 10-goal spree, highlighted by Griffin Pieretti's penalty shot, extending their lead to 23-7. UCSB maintained their momentum in the final quarter, with Oliver Sherwood and Pieretti adding goals, securing a decisive 28-8 victory.
Miller led the Occidental offense with four goals on four shots, adding one assist to his tally. Stone contributed significantly, scoring three goals on five shots while drawing two exclusions. Travis Hughes facilitated the offense with two assists, demonstrating his playmaking ability. In goal, Will Garcia made an impact with four saves, helping to anchor the defense.
GAME 2 vs. Concordia University Irvine; L 14-7
Concordia University Irvine outpaced Occidental College in a 14-7 victory, highlighted by a dominant first half where Concordia scored 11 goals.
Concordia dominated the first quarter, scoring five unanswered goals before the Tigers' Max Stone found the net. Concordia extended their lead in the second quarter, with Levi Riegelmann scoring, making it 9-2. Occidental cut into the deficit with two penalty goals in the third quarter by Travis Hughes and Zane Derrod, but Concordia's Oscar Garcia Blomback added another to maintain a comfortable lead. Riegelmann and Carter Clenney each scored again in the fourth quarter to bolster Concordia's position. Occidental closed the game with two late goals, including a penalty shot from Patrick Gardner, but Concordia secured a 14-7 victory.
Hughes scored two goals on six attempts and won two sprints, contributing significantly to the Tigers' performance. Derrod also found the back of the net twice, taking seven shots and adding a steal. Gardner was efficient, converting his only shot into a goal. In goal, Jack Schroeder tallied 10 saves to anchor the defense effectively.
GAME 3 vs.BIOLA; W 12-11
The Tigers edged Biola University 12-11 in a tense match on Saturday. The Tigers secured the win with a decisive goal in overtime, overcoming a third-quarter deficit where the Eagles had taken the lead with a four-goal surge. The game featured strategic plays, with both teams capitalizing on power plays, each netting three goals.
Occidental opened the game with a goal by Danny Miller, but Biola quickly responded with Gavin McKenzie's goal. The first half saw back-and-forth action, with Jake Eulenhoefer scoring and Nick Murray answering just 20 seconds later. The second quarter ended with a narrow 5-4 lead for the Eagles, thanks to Ivan Tkach's goal. In the third quarter, Biola extended their lead with goals from Levi Bengelink and Murray, pushing the score to 8-5. The Tigers closed the gap with a strong fourth quarter, including goals by Eulenhoefer and Travis Hughes, tying the game at 10-10. In the final quarter, Hughes scored a penalty goal, but McKenzie equalized. Ocean Pogorel secured the win for the Tigers with a goal, ending the match at 12-11.
Travis Hughes led Occidental with four goals on six attempts, contributing significantly to the team's offensive efforts. Zane Derrod was pivotal, adding two goals and three assists, showcasing his versatility in both scoring and setting up plays. Eulenhoefer contributed two goals and one assist, while also making two steals and blocking one shot. In goal, Jack Schroeder recorded 12 saves, anchoring the team's defensive performance.
GAME 4 vs. Pacific; L 21-7
Pacific defeated Oxy in a 21-7 victory on Sunday afternoon, converting all 21 of their shots into goals.
Pacific dominated the opening quarter with a commanding 6-0 lead, highlighted by Borisz Kasa-Gal's goal and Noah Wendt's strike. Occidental's Travis Hughes netted a goal in the second quarter, but Pacific quickly responded with Apostolos Georgaras scoring, maintaining their advantage. Pacific continued their offensive momentum, with Wendt scoring twice in the second quarter, extending the lead to 13-3. In the third quarter, Pacific added six more goals, including a penalty shot by Wendt, while Occidental managed to score twice, bringing the score to 19-5. Alek Newman secured the victory for Pacific by netting two late goals in the fourth quarter, sealing a 21-7 win.
Noah Emmitt led Occidental with two goals on three shots in their recent match. Kevin Castellanos contributed with a goal, scoring on his lone shot attempt. Hughes also found the back of the net, converting his single shot into a goal. Atticus Wahab-Holles added a goal on two attempts while managing to stay on the field despite two exclusions.
Looking ahead, Occidental is set visit Cal State Fullerton for the Fullerton Invite on September 12. The match is slated to begin at 12:00 p.m. in Fullerton, CA. The Tigers will also rematch CUI on 9/12 at 4:30pm.
