Tigers Poloists Gain Another Split in RCC's Annual Invitational Tournament Saturday

RIVERSIDE -- Gaining another split of games in its annual Invitational Tournament, the Riverside City College (RCC) Tigers men's water polo team defeated a conference opponent (in a nonconference game) and was competitive against a perennially strong team Saturday (Oct. 10) at RCC's Riverside Aquatics Center.

Riverside (10-6 overall) jumped out to a 4-1 lead after the first quarter and went on to a 17-7 win over fellow Orange Empire Conference (OEC) member Orange Coast College (OCC). RCC led, 7-4, at halftime against the Pirates and 12-5 after three quarters. The Tigers then capped its tournament participation with a 19-15 loss to Los Angeles Valley College (LAVC) Monarchs.

Against OCC, RCC freshman driver Lazar Raca (Belgrade, SERBIA) had five goals, two assists and two steals. RCC freshman goalkeeper Dustin Shaw (Riverside / Poly HS '15) had nine saves and three assists.

Against L.A. Valley, the Tigers jumped out to a 7-4 lead after the first quarter and led, 10-8, at halftime. In the second half, LAVC found its stride and led, 14-12, after three quarters and pulled away to the win, outscoring RCC, 5-3, in the final eight minutes.

Freshman utility player Kyle Christian (Riverside / M.L. King HS '15) -- who is pictured -- added four goals and two assists for RCC and Raca added three goals and two assists. Shaw corraled seven saves.

Riverside will resume OEC competition against those same OCC Pirates on Wednesday, Oct. 14, at 4 p.m. at the on-campus Riverside Aquatics Complex

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As a footnote, the RCC Women's Water Polo team will have its first home game of the season against the OCC Pirates on Wednesday, Oct. 14, at 3 p.m.

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