The University of Redlands men's water polo team returned to tournament action on Friday and Saturday by competing in the Gary Troyer Memorial Tournament in Claremont against four out-of-conference opponents.  With a total-team effort, the Bulldogs continued their hot streak on day one by defeating Fordham University (NY) and Iona College (NY), before snagging an 11-8 overtime victory against the Air Force Academy to split results on Saturday.

In Friday's opening contest, the Bulldogs used a big offensive showing in the second and fourth quarters to collect a 13-7 victory over Fordham.  With a 3-2 lead after eight minutes of action, the Maroon and Gray opened things up with a four-goal showing that accompanied an impressive defensive display.  Sophomore center Billy Clifford (Redlands, CA) initiated the big quarter, before sophomore driver Ty Williams (Rancho Cucamonga, CA) and junior center-defender Max Taylor (Henderson, NV) completed the 3-0 outburst.  After a Fordham goal, Redlands answered again with a netter by senior driver Zac Polmanteer (Long Beach, CA). 

Following a stingy third period that saw only one goal apiece from the teams, the Bulldogs erupted for five goals to secure the 13-7 win.  Once again, Redlands relied on a well-balanced attack that included five different players. It was freshman driver Spencer Allen's (Long Beach, CA) score early in the final frame that served as the game-winner.

Senior goalkeeper Chris Sekula (LaGrange, IL) remained steady between the pipes for the Bulldogs, notching 11 saves in the win.

Against Iona, Redlands jumped out to an early lead and stayed in front through the final whistle.  Junior center Matt Shippen (Santa Maria, CA) and senior center-defender Danny Hartwig (Vista, CA) combined for the Maroon and Gray's three-goal effort in the first period, before Taylor, Polmanteer, and Clifford chipped in one goal apiece to give Redlands a 6-2 lead. 

Following Head Coach Tom Whittemore's halftime speech, the Bulldogs fired off five goals in the third to extend their lead to 11-4.  Taylor completed his hat trick with a pair of netters, as Williams contributed a goal to the offensive explosion. 

Redlands took care of business in the final quarter to preserve the win, with Sekula stepping up with another 11-save performance in a complete-game effort.

On Saturday, the Bulldogs took on Cal Baptist University and the Air Force Academy to conclude the Gary Troyer Tournament with a 3-1 record.

While facing CBU, Redlands went toe-to-toe with the Lancers but struggled to overcome an early deficit, which led to a 9-12 defeat.  The Lancers surged out to a 2-0 lead, before the Bulldogs made it a 3-4 game after one period.  Senior center-defender Mark Zikov (La Quinta, CA), freshman driver Kyle Jackson (Naperville, IL), and Hartwig each found the back of the net for the Maroon and Gray during this stretch.

But the Bulldogs continued to face an uphill battle through the midway point of the game, staying within reach at 5-7 due to goals by Zikov and sophomore center-defender Mitchell Walker (Taylorsville, UT).

Redlands continued to battle but came up short through the final whistle.  Sekula did his best in a 13-save performance.  Zikov finished the game with four goals.

Against Air Force, the Bulldogs went the distance in a thrilling 11-8 overtime win to conclude the busy weekend.  Redlands jumped out to a 6-4 lead through the first two frames while relying on a diversified offense and stellar play on defense. 

However, the Falcons rallied for a 4-1 run in the third to take an 8-7 advantage.

Amidst a defensive battle in the final frame, it came down to the last possession, when Redlands' Taylor fired off his fourth goal of the game at the buzzer to send it to overtime. 

Reenergized in overtime, the Maroon and Gray scored three goals to avoid the sudden-death period and walk away with a huge win.  Senior driver Kyle Murata (Brea, CA), Walker, and junior driver Kevin Chapa (Carlsbad, CA) all recorded their first goal of the game in the extra periods.

As the Bulldogs' last line of defense, Sekula came up big with 16 saves, including three in overtime.

The Bulldogs (11-10) look forward to the start of Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) action on Saturday, November 15, when they travel to Chapman University for an 11 a.m. contest against the Panthers.