Tigers Finally Play at Home, Split A Pair in Friday's Action at RCC Invitational Tournament
RIVERSIDE -- Finally playing its first home games of the season, the Riverside City College (RCC) Tigers men's water polo team split a pair of games Friday (Oct. 9) in RCC's Invitational Tournament at the Riverside Aquatics Center.
Riverside (9-5 overall) spotted the visiting Cerritos College Falcons an early two-goal lead which proved to be the difference as Cerritos posted a 14-12 win over RCC. Later Friday afternoon, the Tigers jumped out to a 3-0 midway through the first quarter and kept the Palomar College Comets at bay, 13-9.
In the opener, Cerritos led, 6-1, after the first quarter, 8-3 at halftime, and 12-9 after three cantos.
Against Cerritos, RCC was paced by freshman driver Lazar Raca (Belgrade, SERBIA) -- who is pictured -- had four goals, one assist and one steal. Freshman center Jonah Saenz (Riverside / Poly HS '15) added four goals (including one five-meter goal), one assist and one steal.
Freshman utility player Kyle Christian (Riverside / M.L. King HS '15) added two goals and two assists for RCC and freshman goalkeeper Dustin Shaw (Riverside / Poly HS '15) had eight saves.
Versus the Comets, RCC led, 3-1, after the first quarter, 8-3 at halftime, and 10-7 after three stanzas.
Against Palomar, Raca had four goals, three assists and four steals, and Christian had three goals and three assists. Shaw logged 12 saves between the posts for RCC.
With the win, Riverside exceeded last season's victory total of eight.
Riverside will continue competion in its RCC Men's Tournament on Saturday, Oct. 10, at the on-campus Riverside Aquatics Complex. The Tigers will begin their play that day with a 9:10 a.m. game against the Los Angeles Valley College (LAVC) Monarchs.
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