THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — No. 6 Cal Lutheran men's water polo celebrated Senior Day, on Saturday afternoon, against No. 3 Pomona-Pitzer. In a nailbiter, the Kingsmen fell short to the Sagehens by a score of 11-9.
Before the game, the Kingsmen honored their 2023 graduating class of David Brandt, Adam Dow, and Tommy Riffle. The trio was part of the Kingsmen's first-ever SCIAC Tournament Championship.
David Brandt started the scoring, depositing the first of what would be three goals in two minutes for the Kingsmen. After eight minutes of play, the Kingsmen held a 3-2 lead heading into the second quarter.
In the second quarter, the Sagehens evened the score up at four apiece to make it a brand-new game to begin the second half.
The Kingsmen were held scoreless in the third quarter but bounced back in the fourth quarter, scoring five times, three of which came within 45 seconds. The Sagehens, however, held on to take the game 11-9.
The Kingsmen's success defending the powerplay was vital to keeping the game within striking distance as they held Pomona-Piitzer to just three goals in thirteen powerplay opportunities.
In goal, Bo Dubois led the defense, recording a team-high four steals and eight saves. Kayden Sourbeer was next in line with three steals, while Tommy Riffle and Ethan Guereca each notched two.
Lincoln Hall led the offensive charge, scoring three goals, while Jack Bradbury and Brandt both scored twice. Tre Eade and Sourbeer both tallied one goal apiece. Sourbeer's two helpers were also the most among the six different Kingsmen who recorded an assist.
The Kingsmen conclude their season with an overall record of 7-18 and 4-8 in conference play. The Kingsmen head into the offseason and look to bounce back in the 2024 season.
