LOS ANGELES, Calif. - Another strong defensive effort by the Cal Lutheran men's water polo team netted a 10-6 road win over Occidental on Wednesday afternoon. The victory keeps the Kingsmen in a multiple team deadlock atop the conference standings.

Cal Lutheran extended its conference win streak to five following its fourth straight win over Occidental in the all-time series. A shutout first quarter by the Kingsmen defense helped the visiting side lead from start to finish.

The Kingsmen led 6-2 at halftime before the Tigers pulled to within two at the end of three quarters. A fourth quarter surge featuring three fourth quarter scores helped the Kingsmen pull away in the final minutes of regulation.

Dejan Novakovic led the Cal Lutheran offense with three goals. Max Zappas scored twice and drew four exclusions while teammate Jordan Meaney added two goals and snatched four steals of his own.

CLU goaltender Danny Mock made eight stops while holding OXY to its conference-low of six goals. His efforts in the cage have played a major role in the team's league leading 33 goals against through six conference contests.

Despite defeating No. 1 Claremont-Mudd-Scripps this past Saturday, Cal Lutheran did not overtake the Stags in the national rankings but did move up to its highest spot in program history at No. 2.

Wednesday's win guarantees Cal Lutheran a top four seed heading into the SCIAC Championship Tournament which gets underway on Friday, Nov. 11. CLU was tied with CMS, Redlands and Pomona-Pitzer heading into the day.

Cal Lutheran (14-8, 5-1 SCIAC) will finish off its regular season schedule on the road Saturday, Nov. 5, at Pomona-Pitzer.