HOME AWAY FROM HOME
CLOVIS, Calif. ? Even though California Baptist was a few hours from home, the atmosphere at Clovis High School felt more like the Lancer Aquatic Center. The Lancers (17-8) enjoyed several area fans as CBU downed Fresno Pacific 17-8, Friday.
“I don't know that I have ever been to an away game with that many fans for us,” said CBU head coach Rick Rowland. “It was like a home game. I was telling some of the guys that we should have Fresno host a tournament up here and I bet we could draw quite a few. It was almost more than what we get at home.”
Seven Lancers hail from the Fresno, Calif. area including the game's leading scorer, Alan Ogden, who scored four goals. Ogden, who played in the same pool he played water polo in high school, added an assist and won all four sprints to start each quarter.
Brad Vincent scored three goals, while Jeff Woolstenhulme, Louis Talamantes, Josh Harris and Ryan Steiger all scored a pair of goals each. Aaron Steiger added a solo goal.
Jason Bills added a stellar performance with one goal, two assists and three steals.
“Everyone got to play that made the trip,” said Rowland. “That was probably the best bench play we have had all year. This is definitely something to build on heading into the weekend.”
Jon Miller, another Clovis High graduate, recorded three saves while his counter part, Zach Bowman, notched seven saves.
“It was great for our men to play in front of so many fans,” said Rowland. “Nick (Rocca) seemed like he had his own entourage. Every time he touched the ball it was like 30 people were just screaming.”
CBU will now prepare for the University of Pacific Tournament which set to kick off tomorrow as the Lancers open with George Washington (8:30 a.m.) and No. 15 Pacific (1:30 p.m.) Saturday. CBU ends the tournament with Harvard and Fresno Pacific, Sunday.
