REDLANDS, Calif. – The University of Redlands Men's Water Polo team took on California Baptist University Thursday afternoon in a non-conference game at the Thompson Aquatic Center falling 13-9.
Redlands moves to 10-9, 3-2 SCIAC, while Cal Baptist improves to 17-9, 2-2 CONF.
The Bulldogs conceded a quick goal to CBU in the first :33 seconds, but answered on their opening possession thanks to Andrew Higginson (San Diego, CA) who was fed by Ron Gvishi (Kiryat Tivón, Israel).
The game remained tied until the 2:55 mark when Spencer Sellwood (Irvine, CA) gave the Bulldogs a 2-1 advantage, which came off of a five-meter penalty. The Lancers tied the game at two the next trip down the pool and that's where the game would stand after the first quarter of play.
Redlands fell behind 3-2 in the second quarter and ended their 8:05 scoring drought with a goal from Jake Rose (San Diego, CA) with 2:50 remaining in the half. Alec Abrahamian (Glendale, CA) picked up the assist on Rose's goal. After a trio of ties the Lancers would go on a run to end the first half putting together three unanswered giving them a 6-3 lead through the first 16 minutes.
At the 5:23 mark of the third quarter, Austin Galanski (Bakersfield, CA) matched the Lancer goal in the opening minute of the quarter as the Bulldogs continued to trail by three, 7-4.
CBU extended their run to 10-2, dating back to the 2:30 mark of the second quarter as the deficit stood at seven, 11-4, with 2:19 left in the third. At the end of the period, Sellwood found Michael Maher (Fremont, CA) who controlled the pass inside set and scored as time expired to keep the Bulldogs in position for a comeback.
The Bulldogs were unable to score in the opening two minutes of the fourth, but they went on a 3-0 run over the course of 2:25 to cut the lead to four, 12-8. During the rally Sellwood, Higginson, and Abrahamian all scored and Sellwood would tally two assists.
Gvishi was setup by Abrahamian for a goal with 1:08 left in the game, but the deficit was too much to overcome as CBU would hold on for the victory.
Redlands held the shot advantage, 29-27, but their shot percentage was only .310 versus the .481 from CBU. The Bulldogs were called for seven exclusions and the Lancers made them pay by converting on 5-of-7 for a .714 powerplay percentage. UR was 2-of-5 at a .400 clip.
The Bulldogs have a bye this weekend and will return to SCIAC competition against Claremont-Mudd-Scripps next Wednesday, October 19 beginning at 7:00pm inside the Thompson Aquatic Center.