Tigers Water Poloists Sustain Two Losses to Open Cuesta Tournament

SAN LUIS OBISPO -- Sustaining a pair of losses to open the Cuesta Tournament on Friday (Sept. 19), the Riverside City College (RCC) Tigers men's water polo squad will seek a pair of victories on Saturday, Sept. 20.

Riverside (2-3 overall) dropped a 14-8 decision to the host Cuesta College Cougars in an opening round game on Friday (Sept. 19). The Tigers led, 4-3, after the first quarter, but trailed, 6-5, at the half. RCC trailed only 8-6 entering the final period, but was outscored, 6-2. The Tigers had only two substitutes, and two others were in foul trouble, thus the balance of the squad was exhausted.

Freshmen drivers Justin Rohn (San Bernardino / San Gorgonio '14) and Joseph Rivas (San Clemente / Temescal Canyon '14) each had two goals, while freshman goalie Jeremy Mariscal (Santa Ana / Jurupa Valley '14) recorded four saves.

RCC then faced the Los Angeles Valley College (LAVC) Monarchs. LAVC outscored the Tigers, 7-1, in the first quarter and cruised to a 23-9 win.

Rivas and fellow freshman driver Brandt Restad (Murrieta / Vista Murrieta '14) each had three goals, while Mariscal had eight saves. 

"L.A. Valley looks to be one of the top teams in the state," said RCC second-year head coach Jason Northcott.

The Tigers continue tournament play on Saturday, Sept. 20, when they face the Ventura College Pirates at 8 a.m.

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