THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. —The California Lutheran men's water polo team defended their #2 national ranking back into the pool against the Warriors of Westcliff University, an NAIA opponent. The Kingsmen walked away with a 12-11 victory, their 14th of the season.
Westcliff struck first, with 7:03 left in the first, but Cal Lutheran was able to regroup and tie the game less than a minute later on a goal from senior Taylor Garcia.
The two teams scoring efforts from Garcia, Ben Brown, and Parker Jory helped the Kingsmen keep pace to a 5-5 tie.
The second period saw the Kingsmen create some breathing room. Luke Matthies, Stephen Blaauw, Justin Krause, Ben Brown, David Brandt, Cole Weiderman, and Taylor Garcia all found the back of the net on the way to a 10-5 lead.
Westcliff was able to halt the Kingsmen, but struggled to find offense themselves. The third quarter ended on Luke Matthies second goal and a Kingsmen lead of 11-6.
The fourth quarter saw the momentum continue to shift as the Warriors pushed the Kingsmen hard, but the game was decided on by Cal Lutheran's only 4th quarter goal from Ben Brown. That eventual game winner helped the Kingsmen hold on for the 12-11 win.
The Kingsmen will get back to SCIAC play in a home match against Whittier Wednesday at 4:00pm.
Box score: CLU 12, WU 11
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Release by Steven Lohn, Assistant Sports Information Director
