IRVINE, Calif. – There were standout performances a plenty on Thursday as Concordia University Irvine men's water polo handled its business during its two matinees.
Overall, the Golden Eagles improved to 11-7 overall and have now won four straight contests.
CUI 17, McKendree 11
The Golden Eagles topped McKendree University in its home opener. It was a non-conference match that CUI took control of early by opening up a 4-1 lead out the gate. That advantage ballooned with continued success and it was CUI up 11-4 at the break.
Levi Riegelmann poured in a career-high six goals against McKendree. Among the other offensive highlights,
Dimitrios Koritsas added four goals and an assist while
Hugo Wouters scored once and had five helpers.
Derek Maddox compiled a dozen saves in the first half before
Hale Durbiano and Ethan Sunderland each protected the cage for one period to protect the lead.
CUI 18, Mount Saint Mary's 14
After claiming the first score of the game against McKendree,
Kaliq Khan sat at 99 career goals. In the team's second contest of the day at Woollett Aquatics Center, Khan scored career goal No. 100 in the pool. The moment pushed CUI in front 8-3 and it appeared that this one would be out of reach.
But the Mountaineers rallied and made it a two-goal margin on multiple occasions. CUI had to earn every minute they played in the pool and ultimately outlasted a very game squad in the The Mount.
Reigning WWPA Offensive Player of the Week Hugo Wouters racked up five goals and two assists against the Mountaineers.
Dante Soldati Ianora added three goals and got multiple Mountaineers in foul trouble by drawing exclusions with ease.
Khan, Koritsas, and
Joao Goncalves also each scored twice to help the cause.
Next up for the Golden Eagles is the Gary Troyer Tournament on both Friday and Saturday. After playing twice both days, Concordia will finish a stretch of six games in three days. First up is a date with Whittier on Friday afternoon.
The next home contest for the Green and Gold will be against LMU on Friday, Oct. 23 at 1 p.m. PT.
CLICK HERE for the full CUI men's water polo schedule
