Merced, Calif- The Concordia University Irvine men's water polo team opened conference play in impressive fashion on Friday, traveling north to take on UC Merced and coming away with an 18-10 victory at the UC Merced Aquatics Center. The Golden Eagles established control early, scoring five goals in the opening quarter before adding 12 more across the second and third periods. CUI's balanced offensive attack and ability to build a substantial lead carried the team to a strong conference-opening performance on the road.
CUI wasted little time setting the tone, jumping out to a 5-1 lead after the first quarter. Kaliq Khan scored twice in the opening period, while Hugo Wouters, Jadon Pendergrass and Dante Ianora each found the back of the net to give the Golden Eagles an early advantage.
The offensive momentum continued into the second quarter as CUI added six goals to extend its lead. Dimitrios Koritsas scored twice in the period, while Joao Goncalves, Cade Peterson, Ianora and Khan also contributed to the scoring effort. Despite UC Merced finding the net four times in the quarter, the Golden Eagles maintained control and carried an 11-5 advantage into halftime.
The third quarter proved to be another productive stretch for CUI, which outscored the Bobcats 6-1 to create even more separation. Koritsas completed his hat trick, while Nicolas Fuchs and Wouters added goals. Levi Riegelmann caught fire with three goals in the period, helping the Golden Eagles take a commanding 17-6 lead heading into the final eight minutes.
UC Merced responded with four goals in the fourth quarter, but CUI remained in front throughout the closing period. Wes Brazda added the Golden Eagles' final goal with 1:28 remaining, securing an 18-10 victory and giving CUI a successful start to conference competition.
The Golden Eagles finished with 37 shots and 18 goals, compared to UC Merced's 21 shots and 10 goals. CUI's offensive depth was on full display, with Khan, Koritsas and Riegelmann each scoring three times. Ianora, Wouters and Pendergrass also contributed to the early scoring surge, while Goncalves helped set up the attack with an assist.
With a convincing road victory to open conference play, the Golden Eagles will look to carry their offensive rhythm and momentum into their upcoming matchups as they continue their conference schedule.
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The Golden Eagles will continue their trip north tomorrow, October 10, as they take on Fresno Pacific in another conference matchup. CUI will look to build on its strong conference-opening victory over UC Merced and carry that momentum into its next contest against the Sunbirds.
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