By: Heaven Herrera
LBCC triumphed over Mt. San Antonio 13-12 on Oct. 16th showcasing both teams’ determination and strength.
The game started when Mt. San Antonio’s attacker Nicolas Lara struck first at five minutes and thirty-three seconds, assisted by attacker Trevor Davis, putting the away team ahead 1-0.
Just a minute later, Mt. Sac’s attacker Nicolas Lara set up teammate utility Nicolas Flores for an impressive goal, extending the lead to 2-0.
Mt Sac’s utility Michael McMillan would then capitalize on the momentum, scoring at two minutes and nineteen seconds with help from utility Nicolas Flores, bringing the score to 3-0.
LBCC’s attacker Colley Ochoa quickly changed the game’s momentum netting three unassisted goals in quick succession, leveling the score to 3-3 by the end of the first period.
As the second quarter unfolded, Mt. San Antonio regained their footing, with attacker Trevor Davis finding the net at three minutes and twenty-three seconds, courtesy of a pass from guard Jack Painton, making it 4-3 Mt. Sac on top.
Mt. Sac found another opportunity just before halftime with attacker Roman Robles scoring from an assist by utility Andres Equihua Sanchez to increase their lead to 5-3.
Long Beach surged back with attacker Sandro Pueyo, who scored three consecutive unassisted goals to give the home team a slight edge of 6-5 as the halftime buzzer sounded.
The intensity continued to rise in the third period.
Mt Sac’s attacker Trevor Davis leveled the game again to 6-6 with an unassisted goal at five minutes and fifty-nine seconds in the 3rd period.
Following this, Mt. Sac’s utility Nicolas Flores found the back of the net twice with assists from attacker Roman Robles and attacker Trevor Davis, pushing Mt. San Antonio ahead 8-6.
LBCC’s attacker Louis Hackett had other plans, responding with back-to-back unassisted goals to tie it again at 8-8.
LBCC’s attacker Louis Hackett and center Andrija Stankovic scored, putting Long Beach in the lead 10-8.
However, Mt. San Antonio struck back fiercely in the fourth quarter. Utility Michael McMillan scored from an assist by attacker Trevor Davis, followed by a quick assist from attacker Roman Robles, bringing the score to 10-10.
The back-and-forth continued as Mt. Sac’s utility Michael McMillan netted another unassisted goal, giving Mt. San Antonio the lead at 11-10.
A pair of goals from LBCC’s center Michael Trujillo and attacker Elijah Molina saw Long Beach rally back, ultimately securing the narrow victory at 13-12.
In a post-game discussion, Molina highlighted a key moment in the match.
“We started hard and slowed down in the second quarter, and that’s what resulted in our win,” Molina said.
Teammate Louis Hackett emphasized the need for consistency in future games.
“Next game we need to work on not taking our foot off the gas and pushing through,” Hackett said.
Director of Aquatics Bradley Adamson also shared his insights, indicating a focus on refining their gameplay as they prepare for upcoming challenges.
“Our boys need to work on controlling the ball a bit more and putting away the opportunities that were presented to them,” Adamson said.
LBCC Men’s water polo now maintains a record of 16-5 with their next game at El Camino on Wednesday.