The University of Redlands men's water polo team suffered its first Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) loss of the 2011 campaign, falling to the visiting Stags of Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Colleges in a 9-12 decision on Wednesday night.

The teams traded goals in the opening minutes but then CMS surged to a 5-2 lead early in the second period. However, the Bulldogs rallied back to tie it up at 5-all by the end of the stanza.

The Stags answered with two quick goals in the third frame, which proved to be the difference as Redlands played catch-up for much of the remainder of the game.

Senior driver Shane Anderson (Riverside, CA) and senior center Blake vanHartesvelt (Mercer Island, WA) each found the back of the net on two occasions, while five other players scored once apiece.

Sophomore goalkeeper Tyler Abbott (Alta Loma, CA) racked up nine saves, including some substantial stops in the second period. Junior goalkeeper Jessie Gunther (Perris, CA) also patrolled the Redlands cage, earning four saves in the process.

CMS gained seven of its 12 goals from John Holland in an impressive offensive performance.

Redlands (12-14, 3-1 SCIAC) welcomes Whittier College to the Thompson Aquatic Center on Saturday for an 11 a.m. bout with the Poets. The Bulldogs also host their annual men's water polo alumni game in conjunction with Homecoming at approximately 1 p.m.