IRVINE, Calif. - To start the week off, the Concordia University Irvine men's water polo team took on Biola at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 2. It was the second home match of the season. As the WWPA's preseason favorite, Biola needed a win against the Golden Eagles in order to capture the West's Top Seed. Concordia did not make it easy for the visiting Eagles. 

Biola swam out with a strong first half and CUI kept the shots coming. Even though Biola managed to get three goals past the Golden Eagles defense, Harry Bentham scored the first goal for Concordia on a power-play with an assist from Leo Erickson. Possession switched back and forth multiple times, but Biola didn't keep the lead for long. With a well-placed assist from Bentham, Sam Diamond added to Concordia's score, making it 2-3. 

In the second period, Erickson and Diamond both shot past the defense and scored a goal for CUI. Bentham managed two goals in a row to give CUI a 5-4 lead. 

In the final period, Jacob Stuart scored the last CUI goal before Biola filled the gap and jumped ahead. The Golden Eagles sent many shots toward the goal in the last few minutes, but Biola's defense succeeded in stopping CUI.

Biola won the match with a final score of 13-10.

The Golden Eagles are just getting started! On Saturday, Nov. 4, CUI will compete against Fresno University at the Woolett Aquatics Center. The Golden Eagles will be celebrating Senior Night after the match at 7 pm. 

CLICK HERE for the full men's water polo schedule.