The University of Redlands men's water polo team capped off the final day of the Rare Air – Air Force Invitational in Colorado with another 1-1 showing that included a 20-11 win over Salem University (WV) and a 7-10 loss to George Washington University (DC) on Sunday.
Against Salem, the Bulldogs stormed out to a 7-4 lead through the first quarter and never looked back. Senior center Cooper Krause (Denver, CO) played a huge role with four of his five goals coming in the opening frame. In addition, senior attacker Kyle Jackson (Naperville, IL), first-year attacker Drake Moody (Camarillo, CA), and first-year center Conner Strabel (Canyon Lake, CA) each found the back of the net once.
This trio went on to score nine of the team's goals in the win.
Redlands continued to roll in the second frame and earned a 13-5 advantage to remain well in control for the eventual 20-11 triumph.
In the nightcap, Redlands battled GWU in a back-and-forth showdown that resulted in a 6-6 tie by the start of the fourth. The Bulldogs benefitted from senior attacker Spencer Allen's (Long Beach, CA) three scores, while Krause, Jackson, and Strabel each provided one.
However, the Colonials produced more offense in the final frame, resulting in the tough loss for the Bulldogs.
Krause finished the game with two goals, two steals, and four ejections drawn, while junior goalkeeper Chris Martinez (Santa Ana, CA) patrolled the Bulldog cage with 11 saves.
Redlands (2-2) looks forward to hosting the Inland Empire Classic on Saturday, September 14, and Sunday, September 15. The Bulldogs open the tournament with a rematch against Air Force at 9 a.m. on Saturday.
