The University of Redlands men's water polo team squared off against unfamiliar foe McKendree University (IL) on Thursday night in a non-conference showdown at the Thompson Aquatic Center. Following a late start due to McKendree's travel woes, the Bulldogs utilized a total-team effort that saw 14 different players score in the 23-7 slashing of the Bearcats.
Redlands jumped out to a 6-2 lead after the first period, with junior center-defender Max Taylor (Henderson, NV) leading the charge with three goals.
The Bulldogs' offense continued to roll in the second stanza, with eight different players finding the back of the net.
The Maroon and Gray defense also impressed, with senior goalkeeper Chris Sekula (LaGrange, IL) shoring up the home team's cage by making six saves to limit McKendree's attack to only two goals through the first half.
During the third frame, the Bulldogs pulled back the reigns just a bit, with a three-goal showing. Senior driver Kyle Murata (Brea, CA), freshman driver Carter Kerwin (Bakersfield, CA), and freshman driver Spencer Allen (Long Beach, CA) blasted one goal apiece for Redlands.
The Maroon and Gray received a strong performance from freshman goalkeeper Braeden Shaw (Yorba Linda, CA) in the final two periods, as he tallied four stops.
Redlands continued to cruise in the last eight minutes, with freshman driver Cole Kammerer (San Diego, CA) leading the Bulldogs' offensive display with two goals.
Overall, Taylor and Allen each finished with a hat trick, while freshman Alex Nitinthorn (San Dimas, CA), senior driver Zac Polmanteer (Long Beach, CA), sophomore center-defender Mitchell Walker (Taylorsville, UT), freshman driver Kyle Jackson (Naperville, IL), and Kammerer scored twice apiece.
Redlands (8-9) heads to the Gary Troyer Memorial Tournament on Friday, October 7, and Saturday, October 8, beginning with Fordham University (NY) at 11:30 a.m. today at Pomona Colleges' Haldeman Pool.
