IRVINE, Calif. – There is a first time for everything and this Saturday marked a number of exciting firsts for the Concordia University Irvine men's water polo team!
CUI pounced late with two quick goals to stun Pomona-Pitzer and secure the first win of the young season at the Inland Empire Classic.
This is also the first collegiate victory for new CUI head coach Justin Johnson.
CUI 13, Pomona-Pitzer 12
Sophomore
Sam Diamond scored the game-winning goal with 1:13 left on the clock for Concordia. The Golden Eagles were able to capitalize after drawing an exclusion to score the difference-maker on the 6-on-5 opportunity. This came barely a minute after
Leo Erickson fired in the game-tying goal to make it 12-12.
Jacob Stuart and
Harry Bentham led CUI with three goals against the Sagehens.
Stan De Mey and Erickson each finished with two goals apiece. De May added two assists as well.
Oscar Garcia Blomback and
Carlos Olat each tallied a goal to help the cause. Starting goalie
Tanner Powell racked up nine saves and earned the win in net.
CMS 20, CUI 11
In the second game of the day for the Golden Eagles, Concordia received goals by Erickson and Diamond again. However this time both men scored in the second quarter.
Claremont-Mudd-Scripps opened up an impressive 11-2 halftime lead and the Golden Eagles did their best to claw their way back into the contest.
Erickson scored a second time in the third period.
Harry Bentham and
Dawson Brummett also found the back of the net.
A few minutes passed before Stuart and De Mey each scored once in the fourth. Powell made two stops between the pipes in the first half while
Hunter Osgood also collected a pair of saves in the second half.
Jace Peterson and
Oscar Garcia Blomback each scored twice in the fourth quarter to close out the scoring.
CUI returns to action on Sunday with two more games beginning with an 11 a.m. game against Austin College followed by an afternoon contest with Whittier just after 3 p.m.
CLICK HERE for the full CUI men's water polo schedule
