The 2006 Citrus College Men’s Water Polo team, ranked #9 in the state, has some impressive wins in the season, but hasn’t yet been able to put together two wins in a row. The same held true for the Owls on the first day of the Mt. SAC Tournament where they won one and lost one.
First up for the Owls was Saddleback College. The Owls won a hard fought battle 17-14. The Owls had 8 five on six chances, but were only able to convert 3 of those trips into goals. The Owls were more efficient when they were a man down, getting 5 goals on 8 five on six chances. Leading the way was Gamal Rady who scored 5 goals for the Owls in the win. Connor Ruggio had an equally impressive game scoring 4 goals and registering 3 assists.
In the second game the Owls weren’t so efficient losing 7-17 against Palomar. The Owls only converted 33% of their 6 on 5 chances getting 2 goals on 6 tries. The lone bright spot for the Owls came in their converting 100% of their 5 on 6 chances getting 3 goals on 3 trips down the water. Connor Ruggio led the Owls in scoring with 3, while Ken Kalinisan led all Owls with 2 assists. Zach Perez chipped in defensively in the loss recording 5 steals.
Tony Pearson, who is leading the state in saves, added 10 more saves to his totals for the year.
With the win and the loss the Owls move to 3-4, and continue their play today September 16 at the Mt. SAC tournament.