IRVINE, Calif. - When push came to shove, the Concordia University Irvine men's water polo team rose to the challenge. The season opener for CUI was at the Triton Invitational against Long Beach State early Saturday morning on Sept. 2. 

During the first match of the day, Jace Peterson scored his first career goal and Sam Diamond secured two more goals for Concordia. Soon enough, Leo Erickson made a big splash with his goal for Concordia as well. Although The Golden Eagles put up a good fight, The Beach took the lead and managed to further the gap until the final score was 25-5. 

Heading into the next match, CUI took on UC Santa Barbara with newfound determination. Team captain Jacob Stuart scored three goals and had two assists. That was soon followed by the effort of newcomer Relja Mitich and returner Harry Bentham, who scored two goals each. Stan de May, another CUI team captain, charged ahead and led the offensive for Concordia with an additional four goals. Despite CUI's immense effort, UCSB won the match 20-12. 

The Green and Gold will compete against Stanford and UCLA next at the Triton Invitational on Sunday, Sept. 3. 

CLICK HERE for the full schedule.