THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. - In their third straight Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) game decided by one goal, the Cal Lutheran men's water polo team found themselves on the winning side this time with a 14-13 thrilling victory over La Verne on Saturday afternoon.
This was the second meeting of the season for the two teams after the Kingsmen topped the Leopards 16-13 in double overtime at the Gary Troyer Tournament three weeks ago.
Chris Gardhouse got CLU off to a quick start with a goal on their first possession and Zack Card converted a penalty shot to give the Kingsmen an early 2-1 advantage.
La Verne, however, would go on a run with three straight goals to take a 4-2 lead and they would end the first quarter up 6-4. The Leopards continued to stretch their lead with two quick goals to start the second frame and CLU found themselves trailing by four, 8-4.
AJ Franklin helped turn the game around for the Violet and Gold with back-to-back goals midway through the quarter and Card added a goal after an effective fake pass gave him room to shoot. The Kingsmen would go on a 5-1 run and a Camron Hauer goal at the end of the first half tied the game, 9-9.
Franklin and Card each scored again in a low-scoring third quarter that ended with the Kingsmen on top 11-10.
La Verne opened the final quarter with two goals to take a 12-11 lead and then both teams would trade goals until Gardhouse converted the game-winner with 30 seconds remaining. The CLU defense held strong on the final Leopards possession to secure the victory.
Gardhouse led all players in the game with five goals and set a school record with seven drawn exclusions. Franklin and Card each tallied a hat-trick with three goals apiece and Card also added three assists. Nick Loomis notched six saves in the goal.
Cal Lutheran (7-10, 1-2 SCIAC) is back in action this Wednesday, Oct. 28 at 4:00 p.m. at Caltech.
Box Score: CLU 14, LV 13
CLU Twitter: https://twitter.com/clusports
CLU Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clusports
CLU Instagram: http://instagram.com/clusports#
