CLAREMONT, Calif. — The California Lutheran University men's water polo team fell just shy of defeating a Division I program, Fordham, before taking care of business against Augustana on day one of the Gary Troyer Tournament.
The Kingsmen just missed an upset to start, as Fordham snuck away with a 10-9 victory. Cal Lutheran bounced back, taking down Division III opponent, Augustana, 14-8, to go 1-1 on the day.
The Kingsmen had their chance to know off the D-I opponent, and held a 9-7 lead with 6:42 left in the game. Ben Brown scored one of his four goals to give Cal Lutheran the two-score advantage. Fordham responded with three goals, including the game winner with nine seconds left.
Brown added two steals and one assist to go along with his four goals. Dillon Goldsmith scored two goals and also chipped in with two steals. Stephen Blaauw led the team with four steals as the defense held strong against a tough opponent.
Jonathan Salandi got the call in the cage and recorded 14 saves to go with one steal.
The Kingsmen carried the momentum of playing a Division I opponent into their second game with Augustana.
Cal Lutheran had control from the beginning outscoring Augustana 9-3 in the first half. The Kingsmen coasted the rest of the way and took the win.
Cole Weiderman and Goldsmith both had a hat trick and Parker Jory and Justin Krause both added two goals.
Brown was all over the pool, showing off a complete package. He dished out four assists and also made four steals.
Andre Rivas was fantastic in goal and Blaauw again helped the defense. Rivas got the win as he made 15 saves, to go along with three assists and one steal. Blaauw recorded three steals to shut down Augustana.
The Kingsmen continue the Gary Troyer Tournament tomorrow. The Kingsmen start the day with Penn St.Behrend at 10:30 a.m. and take on Ottawa (Ariz.) at 2 p.m.
Box score: FU 10, CLU 9; CLU 14, AU 8
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Release by Ryan Jorgenson, Sports Information Director
