PROVIDENCE, R.I. - After opening the 2013 season last weekend in San Diego the Cal Lutheran men's water polo team traveled to the East Coast to play in the Bruno Fall Invitational against more of the toughest teams in the country. The Kingsmen opened the five-game weekend with a 17-8 victory over Connecticut College before falling to Division I host No. 18 Brown by a 14-5 margin.
A slow start against the Camels turned into a Kingsmen thrashing when they were able to settle down and execute a full press, which forced multiple Connecticut College turnovers in the second period and continued throughout the final half of play.
"We forced them to make bad passes and we were able to get some steals and capitalize on our counter attack," senior David Sparks shared after the first game of the day. "We are starting to play very well together and this win was crucial for us to get some momentum."
Coming up with some of those steals in the second quarter that changed the game were Tyler McMaster and Shea Craig. McMaster led the defense with three steals and added two goals, the first of his collegiate career, as well. Splitting time in front of the cage were goalkeepers Jesse Owen and Zach Loza who recorded six and two saves, respectively. Owen also chipped in with steal in the win.
Offensively, five players had multi-goal games with Derrick Graham pacing the pack by scoring a hat-trick. McMaster, Zach Graper, Hunter Hamaker and Spencer McGrath netted a pair apiece. Sparks also provided his first CLU goal in the game.
During the nightcap Sparks again led the Kingsmen, both offensively and defensively. He was the only CLU player to tally multiple goals, scoring twice with one coming on a five-meter shot, and tied for the team lead with two steals, while adding a field block.
Max Zappas drew a trio of ejections against Brown and scored once. McMaster had one drawn ejection and another goal with AJ Franklin rounding out the scoring. Both Graham and Jake Gallagher provided an assist apiece tonight as well.
Owen had a great night in front of the CLU cage, turning away 10 Brown shots with steal in three quarters. Loza finished out the game with four saves in the final eight minutes.
Competition for Cal Lutheran (1-5) will continue tomorrow with a 7:30 a.m. (PST) game against Division I St. Francis (NY) and a 12:45 p.m. meeting with Navy. Live video will be available for the tournament.
Results: CLU 17, CC 8- Box scores not available at time of release
Results: BROWN 14, CLU 5 - Box scores not available at time of release
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