Photo by Amy Beth Bennett

Lefty's hat trick leads to water polo win

Two young water polo teams, representing Cal State Long Beach and UC San Diego, collided Thursday at the Belmont Plaza pool.

Both teams were looking for leadership to help them overcome lack of experience.

CSULB won the game 13-9, on the strength of left-handed Jefferson Hall's three two-point goals.

"Jeff Hall played an incredible game, that was the difference," UCSD coach Denny Harper said.

Being down 6-3 at halftime, Harper gave a spirited speech to his players. They rallied in the third quarter to tie the score at six.

The 49ers quickly stemmed San Diego's advancement with three consecutive goals of their own. They held off the UCSD attack to win comfortably 13-9.

UCSD's Romas Kudirka made the biggest impact for his team. Harper said that he didn't think anyone for CSULB could guard him well. The 6-foot-6-inch, 245-pound Kudirka looked like a football tight end playing water polo.

CSULB Coach Ken Lindgren has remained optimistic despite his team's losing record this year.

Lindgren said as the 49ers gain experience he expects their defense to improve.

"We knew at the beginning (of the season) we had a young team," Lindgren said.

The 49er water polo team next takes on Pepperdine. The Waves will visit Belmont Plaza Pool for a 7 p.m. contest.