The 18th-ranked University of Redlands men's water polo team competed in the second day of the UC Davis Aggie Shootout on Sunday, earning split results to improve to 8-8 on the season. The Bulldogs dropped a 6-13 decision to No. 15 Santa Clara University before notching a 12-9 victory over Fresno Pacific University.
In the first match of the day, Redlands struggled against the strong defense of Santa Clara. The Broncos did not allow a goal in the first half of the match.
For Redlands, senior goalkeeper Tyler Abbott (Alta Loma, CA) provided some good pressure on Santa Clara with three impressive saves in the second quarter.
The Bulldogs seemed to find their offensive stride in the third quarter, scoring four of their six netters. Early in the frame, sophomore driver John Koning (Poway, CA) added the first goal of the game for the Maroon and Gray. Shortly after, senior center Clint Freeman (Brentwood, CA) found space through the Bronco defense for Redlands' second netter. The Bulldogs made it two in a row on their ensuing possession, when senior driver Keaton Lynn (Oakley, CA) unleashed a shot past the opponent cage-minder. With 2:30 to go in that period, sophomore driver Paul Smallman (San Carlos, CA) took advantage of a 6-on-5 opportunity, making it a four-goal game once again.
However, Santa Clara held its advantage with a 4-2 run to finish out the game. Freshman center-defender Mark Zikov (La Quinta, CA) and Smallman contributed the final two goals for the Maroon and Gray.
Later that afternoon, Redlands faced off against Fresno Pacific for the second time this season and recorded another solid victory.
The Bulldogs utilized their offensive versatility by putting goals into the back of net by five different players to take an early lead in the first period.
Despite an FPU rally in the second, junior driver Michael Robinson (Corona, CA) and junior center-defender David Sekula (LaGrange, IL) each provided netters to keep the Bulldogs out front by a score of 8-5.
While continuing to successfully defend its cage, the Maroon and Gray added a trio of scores for a commanding lead of 11-6 by the end of the third period.
During the fourth frame, Curl fired off the finishing touch in the match, making it 12-7 with 1:54 remaining in the fourth quarter.
Between the posts, Abbott provided five saves, while freshman goalkeeper Chris Sekula (LaGrange, IL) tacked on four of his own.
Redlands heads to the Gary Troyer Memorial Tournament at Claremont-Mudd-Scripps and Pomona-Pitzer Colleges on Friday and Saturday. Check back at www.goredlands.com for a complete schedule for this tournament.
