The University of Redlands men's water polo team competed in the Cal Baptist University Lancer Invitational on Saturday by facing off against Citrus College and Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) foe Chapman University. The Bulldogs split the day by defeating Citrus College, 12-10, but falling to the Panthers, 7-12.
In the victory over Citrus College, the Bulldogs battled through a tight contest, as junior center-defender Eugene Lee (La Puenta, CA) netted the lone score in the first period.
Senior center John Koning (Poway, CA) and freshman center Billy Clifford (Redlands, CA) each fired home second-stanza goals, but the Bulldogs trailed 3-4 at the midway point of the match.
Despite the deficit, the Bulldogs remained relentless to keep it close. Junior driver Kyle Murata (Brea, CA), sophomore center-defender Danny Hartwig (Vista, CA), and Clifford each uncorked a goal to stay within striking distance at 6-8 by the end of the third stanza.
However, the Bulldogs erupted for four goals in the fourth period for the difference-maker in the close contest. Hartwig led the charge by burying two, while sophomore driver Kevin Chapa (Carlsbad, CA) and junior driver Zac Polmanteer (Long Beach, CA) each fired home scores en route to the 12-10 victory.
Junior goalkeeper Chris Sekula (LaGrange, IL) hauled in seven saves, including three in the fourth-quarter dominance.
In the non-conference loss to the Panthers, the Bulldogs saw a four-all tie turn into a 6-8 deficit, before Chapman close out the game on a 4-1 run.
Sophomore center Matt Shippen (Santa Maria, CA) led the way with two goals, while senior center driver Jake Funk (Fremont, CA), freshman driver Ty Williams (Rancho Cucamonga, CA) Chapa, Clifford and Murata each notched one score.
Sekula was busy between the posts by making 12 stops. Sophomore goalkeeper Teddy Best (Vista, CA) provided three in the final quarter.
Redlands (9-10) opens SCIAC competition on Saturday, October 17, by traveling to Whittier College for an 11 a.m. match with the Poets.
