Oct. 10, 2009

IRVINE, Calif. -- The 17th-ranked Navy water polo lost its opening game of the UCI Invitational to eighth-ranked Long Beach State, but rebounded in resounding fashion cruising past Redlands in the consolation bracket on Saturday afternoon. The split moves Navy's record to 10-7 overall, entering tomorrow's action.

In Navy's first game, the Mids rallied from a 4-1 halftime and 5-3 third-quarter deficit to send the game into overtime. In the second overtime, Navy took an 8-7 advantage, but Long Beach State tied the game with just 11 seconds left to send the game into sudden-victory. LBSU then scored on its first possession, handing the Mids a tough 9-8 setback.

"It's disappointing to come all the way back and take the lead and then lose the game," said Navy head coach Mike Schofield. "We need to finish our chances the whole game and not just in the second half. But we played hard and got better today. We had lots of opportunites and came up empty too much in the first half. It was a good effort and I really liked our energy. We took a step forward against LBSU."

Kevin Bell led Navy with three goals, while Luke Baldwin had two. Kyle Wertz, Johnny Meiners and Stevie Ray had one goal each. Brett Rajchel stopped 10 shots in goal.

In the Mids' second game of the day, the Mids jumped out to a 6-0 lead and led 12-4 at halftime in defeating Redlands, 16-6.

"It was a whole team effort and we started very well," said Schofield. "I'm pleased we were able to take another step forward after a tough first game. Everyone played and it was a good bounceback game."

Bell led Navy with four goals, while Baldwin, Ray, Wertz and Drew Kollmann scored twice each. Rajchel made three saves in goal, before Chase Hansen stopped four saves in a reserve role.

Navy will now play in the 9th-12th place grouping against either UC Davis or Bucknell.

# GO NAVY #