Water Polo with the OT Win over #4 Cal Lutheran

September 30, 2024

By: Chase Dodge

Westcliff Men's Water Polo had 4 matches last weekend against Biola, La Verne, #12 UC Santa Barbara and #5 Cal Lutheran.

Westcliff v Biola: L, 10-9

Warriors went up to face the Eagles. It was a close contest both teams fighting in the pool. The 2nd period saw the Eagles separate their lead. Warriors came back in the 4th period but was unable to mount the comeback. Standout performances from Andrej Maodus, Armin Jusztin, Adam Hodi, Dominic Tronconi and Csnad Varga.

Westcliff v La Verne: W, 17-10

Warriors came into the 2nd match that day knowing they were close against Biola. Westcliff took control against the Leopards quickly going up 11-4 at halftime. Warriors scored 6 goals in the 2nd period. Standout performances from Brock Kammerer, B. Vidovics, Andrej Maodus, Adam Hodi, Armin Jusztin.

Westcliff v #12 UC Santa Barbara: L, 19-9

Westcliff last saturday faced off against the Gauchos for the 2nd time this season. Gauchos won the game 19-9.

Coaches' Notes

"Our double header day began with a match up against a D-1 top opponent UCSB. Our attempts to control the pace of play fell a little short as we were consistently a little behind with the transitions. Our defense was noticeably better although the score didn't necessarily reflect it. Manuel Augusto led the scoring with 5 goals and Adam Hodi, Andrej Madous and Dominic Tronconi contributed as well. " Getting better with each game is key, and we can sometimes learn more in our losses than in our wins".

Westcliff v #4 Cal Lutheran: W, 20-19 2OT

Westcliff Warriors ended the Week with an impressive come from behind win against the Kingsmen. Warriors were down by 3 goals heading into the 4th period. It was the efforts of key players in the 4th period to force the OT. Warriors were able to mount the comeback winning the game 20-19.

Coaches' Notes

"Game (2) was against the #4 ranked D-3 team in the nation, Cal Lutheran. A formidable opponent we knew we needed to dig deep, and compete on every play, I think we did that".

Trading goals with a very tough, solid opponent, we knew we had to keep it close. The team never gave up, staying close throughout the game although trailing for most of it. Outside shooters were key with Manuel Augusto leading the pack with (6) goals but the consistent play of team captain Andrej Madous with (4) goals and veteran Giorgi Khizanishvili putting in (4) as well greatly helped in the effort.

"Our aggressive play led to some ejections that hurt us, but I like the way the rest of team never gave hope. Newcomer to Westcliff goalie Leonardo Monges showed composure and toughness when it mattered with key blocks towards the end of the game and in overtime. "I'm proud of guys in the pool and on the bench at the end of double overtime, everyone contributed to the win". - Head Coach Erik Zimmerman

Top Performers Last Week

Armin Jusztin: 30 Saves, 1 Steal and 1 Assist

Andrej Maodus: 10 Goals, 7 Assists and 3 Steals

Adam Hodi: 10 Goals, 2 Assists and 4 Steals

Manual Augusto: 10 Goals, 3 Assists and 2 Steals

Domini Tronconi: 6 Goals, 2 Assists and 2 Steals

Giorgi Khizanishvili: 4 Goals, 1 Assist

Leonardo Monges: 8 Saves, 2 Assists and 1 Steal

Barnabas Vidovics: 4 Goals, 7 Assists and 4 Steals

Csanad Varga: 4 Goals, 1 Assist and 4 Steals

Brock Kammerer: 3 Goals and 1 Assist

Jaime Ariste: 1 Goal, 2 Assists and 1 Steal

Kaan Hamurculu:1 Assist

Shalva Khizanishvili: 1 Steal

Mark Merai: 1 Goal

Ryan Stanfill: 1 Goal and 1 Steal

Allen Soto Lopez: 2 Saves

Louis Grandi: 1 Assist

Alberto Seva: 1 Goal