California Baptist University
Lindenwood
SKY HIGH
9/12/2009 5:30:00 AM | Men's Water Polo
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. --- After cruising to a 16-4 win over Lindenwood (Mo.) in their first game of the season, California Baptist University pulled off an upset of the No. 12-ranked United States Air Force Academy on the road, 12-11, in the East Meets West Tournament in the Falcons' home pool.
History appeared to be repeating itself in more ways than one on this night. The win over the Falcons matches the biggest upset in program history, with the most recent coming during the 2008 campaign over then No. 12 Santa Clara. Additionally, the last time the Lancers defeated the Falcons on the road was in 2004, and the final score of that match was 12-11.
Junior Aaron Steiger was the story of the Lancers' upset win over Air Force, racking up three goals and four assists, while drawing four ejections.
The Lancers did most of the damage in the second and third quarters, scoring nine of their 12 goals in that 16-minute span.
"We're at 7250 feet [above sea level]," said Rick Rowland. "It's very difficult to win at this altitude. The guys really dug in deep."
In the win, team captain Jeff Woolstenhulme tallied two goals, as did sophomore Chris Toy. Toy also had two assists in the match. Freshman goalie Austen Ramer recorded seven saves and led the team in steals with five.
The win over the Falcons marked the third straight victory for the Lancers over a ranked Air Force team.
"It's a big win," said Rowland. "It's good to start the season 2-0. To knock off No. 12 this early is probably the best start in program history."
Though it would be no small feat, the Lancers will have the opportunity to rewrite the history books again Saturday as they match up against the Falcons one more time in the tournament.
The Air Force upset was not the only Lancer win of the day, as earlier in the afternoon CBU knocked off Lindenwood 16-4. In a game that saw 10 different Lancers score goals. Chris Gwinn led the team with three goals, while four other Lancers, including Beau Brumley, Daniel Tayenaka, Toy, and Steiger, racked up two goals each.
After starting the season 2-0, the Lancers will play three games Saturday to close out East Meets West Tournament. It will be no easy task, as CBU will take on St. Francis (N.Y.) at 7 a.m., before taking on the Falcons for the second time in as many days at 10:30 a.m. The Lancers will wrap up the day with another match against St. Francis at 6 p.m.
