THOUSAND OAKS, Calif — It was a defensive battle as Cal Lutheran men's water polo was defeated by Occident al 9-6 on Wednesday afternoon. 

The Tigers started strong and shut out the Kingsmen 2-0 in the first quarter. The Kingsmen returned the favor in the second quarter and tied the game at 2 with seven seconds left. Occidental was able to convert on their last shot and took a one-goal lead to the half. 

The defense continued in the second half, but the Tigers built an 8-5 lead. The Kingsmen cut the lead to two and found the net with 34 seconds left in the third quarter. The Tigers scored one more goal in the fourth and won the game. 

Kayden Sourbeer led the way with three goals, two drawn ejections, and one assist. He was also big on the defensive end and added four steals. 

Jack Bradbury, Justin Boals, and Tommy Riffle added a goal each. Adam Dow had the most assists with two. The defense carried the Kingsmen as Boals, Bradbury, Ethan Guereca, and Lincoln Hall had three steals each. Bo DuBois was in goal and made four saves. 

The Kingsmen (4-12, 2-3 SCIAC) are back in action on Saturday and are at Redlands at 11 a.m.