USAFA, Colo. – A second-quarter surge propelled No. 5 seed California Baptist to a 15-11 victory over No. 4 seed LMU in the final game of the opening day of the West Coast Conference Men’s Water Polo Tournament.
LMU got the scoring started with a Bence Barics goal just a little over six minutes into the match. Two minutes later, Abel Romero Corbalan continued the scoring to LMU up 2-0. CBU’s lone goal of the first period came with just three minutes left in the period. With another two LMU scores by West Coast Conference Newcomer of the Year Alika Naone, the Lions took a 4-1 lead going into the second period. Naone ended the game with a game-high three goals.
The Lancers’ second period was the difference in the game. California Baptist scored six-straight goals and never looked back. The Lancers outscored the Lions 14-7 over the final three quarters.
With 3:51 left in the fourth period, LMU went on a 3-1 run, with two more goals from Abel Romero Corbalan. The Lancers’ defense was too much in the end though, as CBU kept the Lions off the board over the final four minutes.
Leading California Baptist was the duo of Alex Righetti and Andrea Nuzzo, both with three goals on the day. Righetti drew three exclusions as well.
CBU’s win avenged a 17-13 defeat to LMU during the regular season.
The Lancers will take on No. 1 seed Pacific Saturday in the semifinals. The match is set to begin at 3:00 p.m. MT, following the conclusion of the 1:00 p.m. MT game between No. 2 seed San José State and No. 3 seed Pepperdine. Follow along with all the action tomorrow on
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