Courtesy: Cal Baptist Athletics
USAF, CO— The first week of West Coast Conference play has been picture perfect for the California Baptist men’s water polo program, after leaving Colorado with their second win of the week over the Air Force Falcons. The competitive Sunday match saw CBU secure an early lead that was never relinquished, finishing with a score of 17-15 at the U.S. Air Force Academy’s Cadet Natatorium. The Lancers are now 2-0 in conference and 17-7 on the season as a whole.
The first quarter set the tone for an offensive showdown, as CBU took a 5-3 lead after a series of quick goals. The Lancers continued to build their momentum in the second quarter, entering halftime with a commanding 10-5 advantage.
The second half of the match saw the Falcons rally and limit CBU to seven goals compared to their 10, but it was enough to overcome the deficit created in the first half. Andrea Nuzzo led the charge for the Lancers, scoring five goals, while Hayes Beamon and Alex Righetti contributed with three goals each. It was a competitive match overall for the WCC squads, as CBU barely outshot AF 33 to 30 through the four quarters.
The win over the Falcons places CBU at the top of the WCC table as Kevin Rosa‘s squad will now return to Riverside to host Santa Clara University on Thursday afternoon.
Courtesy: Air Force Athletics
USAF ACADEMY, Colo. – Air Force men’s water polo (15-8, 0-2 WCC) dropped a 17-15 contest to #15 California Baptist (17-7, 2-0 WCC) in West Coast Conference play Sunday afternoon at the Cadet Natatorium.
Cal Baptist went up 5-3 after the first quarter and led 10-5 at the half. Air Force rallied back with a big third quarter, out-scoring the Lancers 6-3 to pull to within two at 13-11. The Falcons were unable to get closer as CBU matched Air Force with four goals in the fourth.
Senior Jackson Carter and sophomore Brady Kopperud led Air Force with six points each. Carter had two goals and four assists. Kopperud had a game-high five goals and one assist. Junior Tom Leggett notched a hat trick with three goals and an assist. Senior Colin Chase also had a hat trick with three goals.
Senior Luca Smith notched 10 saves in goal.
Air Force returns to action next weekend with WCC road games at LMU and Pepperdine.
