REDLANDS, Calif. – The University of Redlands Men's Water Polo team put together an impressive first half Saturday morning against a tough Claremont-Mudd-Scripps squad, but couldn't find it in the second half as they fell 14-7 at the Thompson Aquatic Center.
The Bulldogs who were coming off three wins in their last four drop to 4-15, 1-4 SCIAC, while Claremont-M-S improves to 8-9, 3-3 SCIAC.
It was a low scoring opening quarter with a combined four goals being scored. The Bulldogs got both of theirs on powerplays as Tor Cole (Malibu, CA) fed both Max Wagener (Piedmont, CA) and Bradley Clinton (Cypress, CA) that kept the game tied at 2-2.
UR jumped in front on their opening possession of the 2nd Quarter when Cole got his third assist, this time finding Owen Nishimura (Carlsbad, Calif.) inside set for another powerplay connection. Cole then returned moments later to get his fourth assist, helping to even the match after finding Wagener for his second tally at the 5:18 mark.
Trailing by three with :06 seconds to play in the half Spencer Clinton (Cypress, Calif.) was able to close the gap with a late powerplay goal that got the Bulldogs within two at 7-5. But after that the offense struggled for the Maroon and Grey across the final 16:00 minutes adding just another two goals, both of which came in the 4th Quarter. After being blanked in the 3rd, the Bulldogs responded with back-to-back tallies under 2:00 minutes to play from Andrew Sorensen (Long Beach, CA) and Jack Ryan (Ventura, CA). But it wouldn't be enough to mount a comeback as UR fell 14-7.
Wagener was the only Bulldog with a multi-goal game, finding the back of the net twice. Cole played a critical role in the offense distributing five assists and grabbing a steal. Brandon Khalil (Jr., Bakersfield, Calif.) made his return to goal and finished with 11 saves and two steals, helping to keep the game close for much of the 32 minutes.
Redlands returns to the pool next Wednesday, October 13 when they travel to take on Caltech beginning at 7:00pm.