Bulldog Men’s Water Polo comes up short in 12-10 loss to Chapman

Image credit: Beth Doolittle
Image credit: Beth Doolittle
Posted: Sep 29, 2021

REDLANDS, Calif. – The University of Redlands Men's Water Polo team came up short Wednesday night falling 12-10 to Chapman University in their third Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) match-up.

The Maroon and Grey have now dropped six in a row and move to 1-12, 0-3 SCIAC, while Chapman University picks up their first win of 2021.

It was a slow start for the Bulldogs, going the first 5:24 scoreless before they got on the scoreboard. During that span they were able to hold the Panthers to just two goals before tying things up at 1:51 behind connections from first years Spencer Clinton (Cypress, Calif.) and Andrew Sorensen (Long Beach, Calif.). 

Trailing 5-3 midway through the second, first-year Ron Gvishi (Albany, Calif.), sparked a run of three unanswered joined by Max Wagener (Piedmont, Calif.) and Clinton, which gave the Bulldogs their first lead at 6-5 heading into the break. 

After conceding an early goal in the third quarter senior Tor Cole (Malibu, Calif.) put UR back on top 7-6 with 6:24 to play in the period. But that advantage went away quickly as Chapman would string together three straight that gave them a 9-7 lead heading into the fourth.

Clinton got the scoring started in fourth capitalizing on a 6-on-5 and Cole delivered on the Bulldogs next possession that tied things up at 9-9.  But Redlands was unable to use this momentum as they would see Chapman score the next three goals moving the score to 12-9.  Clinton was able to tack on a late goal with :06 seconds left but it wouldn't enough to pull off the road win. 

UR finished the game with 29 shots and a .345 shot percentage.  They were 2-for-11 on power plays and converted a 5-meter.  Clinton finished with a game-high five goals and added an assist to lead the Bulldogs.  Redlands was without two of their three goalies who were out due to injury.  This forced senior Jason Gates (San Jose, Calif.) into the starting role as he finished with 10 saves and two steals.  

The Bulldogs continue with their busy week and have a short turnaround as they host a doubleheader today, Thursday, September 30 taking on Division I Fordham University (3:00pm) followed by a rematch with Ottawa (AZ) University (7:00pm).