THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — Cal Lutheran men's water polo (2-4, 0-0 SCIAC) battled for a hard-fought 11-9 victory over Biola, using a fourth-quarter push to seal the home win.

Levi Cook was the difference-maker with a game-high four goals, while Ethan Guereca chipped in two. The Kingsmen had seven players score in a balanced effort that kept Biola chasing all afternoon.

Cal Lutheran struck first with back-to-back goals from Guereca and Cook to grab a 2-1 lead after the first quarter. Dylan Villanueva and Merrick Giles helped pace the offense in the second, with Giles finishing off a feed from Alan Castillo to give CLU a 5-2 lead. The Kingsmen carried a 5-3 advantage into halftime.

Biola fought back in the third, converting on a pair of power plays to tie things at 6-6. Cook and Brody Swarm answered with timely goals to nudge CLU back ahead, but the Eagles kept within striking distance, trailing just 7-6 heading into the final quarter.

The fourth quarter belonged to the Kingsmen. Cook buried his fourth goal of the match, and Guereca added another, stretching the lead to 9-7. Ceasar Nava and Castillo each punched in goals down the stretch, giving CLU just enough cushion to withstand Biola's late push.

Goalkeeper Jacob Taff anchored the defense with several key saves, including a denial on a five-meter penalty in the third.

Following Friday's win, the Kingsmen look to carry the momentum into their next match against Fresno Pacific this Saturday at Cal State Fullerton.