MERCED, Calif. - Nearing the end of October, the Concordia University Irvine men's water polo team faced a familiar opponent, UC Merced. The Golden Eagles had challenged the Bobcats earlier this month at the Lancer Invite. According to the last match, CUI came out on top 13-9. UC Merced put up a valiant effort in this week's match, but Concordia seized the moment and won 13-12. 

In the first period, both teams threw shot after shot, which ran the clock down to its last minute. It may not have been the first goal of the game, but Jace Peterson successfully beat the goalie and put Concordia on the board. With only fifty seconds left, Oscar Garcia Blomback sent a perfect pass to Stan De Mey who scored another CUI goal.  

With every Bobcat goal, the Golden Eagles were close on their tail.  

Harry Bentham and Leo Erickson were the next Golden Eagles to score, making it 4-5. After effectively stealing the ball back, Dawson Brummett secured the shot and tied the score 5-5. It became a race to see who could push ahead and take the lead. Counting down twelve seconds, Jacob Stuart made his presence known and added to Concordia's overall points. 

Sam Diamond impressively scored both Concordia goals in the third period. 

In the end, UC Merced was on a scoring frenzy, but Erickson and Bentham didn't back down and met the Bobcats with goals of their own. Bentham came up with three clutch goals and Erickson with two. 

Concordia won the game 13-12 with a shot percentage of .419 and five saves made by Tanner Powell. 

The next game for Concordia men's water polo is against Fresno Pacific on Friday, Oct. 27 at 4:30 pm. It will lead into the second home match of the season, where the Golden Eagles will play against Biola. Time to cheer on the Green and the Gold!

CLICK HERE for the full men's water polo schedule