49ers split in two games

By Jeff Dusing
Daily Forty Niner

With a 1-1 record in the first week of the season, Long Beach State's men's water polo team is off to a great start.  After losing to USC on Saturday, the 49ers fought back to triumph over Occidental in a Sunday match up.

"We played really well and came out a little short, so it was nice – you could really see how the guys really came out today ready to play," Head Coach Rick Azevedo said about Sunday's game. "They were really explosive."

The 49ers showed their talent against fourth-ranked USC in the first three quarters of play, out-scoring the Trojans 5-2.  The 49ers were preparing for their first win of the season until USC scored with less than a minute left in the third quarter, starting a run that would lead to USC's 7-6 victory.

"I am sure we are going to play USC three or four more times," Azevedo said, "and I guarantee we'll be able to pound them into the sidewalk, especially when it counts."

2-meter defender Aaron Holloway led the team with 3 goals.

"Overall it was a good game, especially for the first game of the season," Holloway said.

Additional goals were scored by drivers Justin Jewell, Scott Miller and Adam Collins.

Back home on Sunday against Occidental College, LBSU came out strong with Jewell scoring the first goal after 14 seconds of play.  The team went on to dominate the game, consistently demonstrating greater speed and skill. The 49ers showcased their ability to control the pace of the game, keeping the opposing team from scoring for the first three quarters.

After four quarters the 49ers finished with a huge 19-1 victory over Occidental.

"Occidental is a Top 10 Division II team.  Both teams played well, but it is the beginning of the year and so both teams are feeling out their starters and bench players," Azevedo said.

During the game, junior Andrew Ruga scored 3 goals, while Pat Logan, Chris Segesman, Scott Miller and Justin Jewell each scored 2 goals. Goalie Brett Adolph had 8 saves in the win.

"I am very excited," said junior Chris Segesman, "we only have one way to go and that's up."

The 49ers face No. 16 ranked Princeton at 4 p.m. Friday at the Campus Pool, and will compete in the Southern California Tournament at Newport Harbor High School this weekend.