CLAREMONT, Calif. – Cal Lutheran men's water polo (0-1, 0-0) opened its season on Friday afternoon in the Inland Empire Tourney against Division-I opponent Pacific, falling 14-9 in a tightly contested match.

Played at a neutral-site with CMS hosting, the Kingsmen got off to a great start behind two early goals apiece from Paul Patterson and Ethan Guereca. After Guereca's goal with just over two minutes left in the first period, Cal Lutheran found itself leading 5-3.

A couple of goals from the Tigers in response tied the score at five heading into the second period.

The Kingsmen were unable to establish the rhythm that they held in the opening minutes, as Pacific (3-1, 0-0) managed to score seven additional unanswered goals to take a 12-5 lead midway through the third period. Brody Swarm finally got the Kingsmen back in the net at the 4:11 mark, and Cal Lutheran outscored the Tigers 4-2 to end the match.

However, Pacific's stretch of impressive play in the second and third periods proved to be too much for the Kingsmen to overcome, as they dropped their season opener 14-9.

Patterson and Guereca led the team with three goals each, and Levi Cook, Swarm, and Jack Bradbury each netted one. Merrick Giles contributed with two assists and Tre Eade added one.

Jaeger Gonzales played sound defense, allowing just three goals in 16 minutes played, adding two saves.

Zachary Isaac, Giles, and Patterson co-led the Kingsmen with two steals each on defense.

The Kingsmen will look to get in the win column against another tough opponent later today, as they take on UC San Diego at 4:20pm in the Inland Empire Classic.