Men’s Water Polo Goes 3-1 at Riverside Tournament, Closes with Dominant Wins

RIVERSIDE, CA (10/11-12/2024) -- The Palomar College men's water polo team turned in a strong performance at the Riverside City College tournament over the weekend, finishing with a 3-1 record. After a tough opening loss to Long Beach City College, the Comets rebounded with three straight victories, including dominant wins over Merced and Chaffey Colleges.

Game 1: Long Beach City College 18, Palomar 4
Palomar struggled to find its rhythm in the opening match against Long Beach City College, falling 18-4. Ian Ritchie led the Comets with two goals, while Jack Fritz and Caleb Hogle added one each. Despite a tough offensive day, goalies David LePine and Wyatt Borchard combined for several saves but couldn't contain Long Beach's powerful attack.

Game 2: Palomar 9, Citrus College 8
The Comets bounced back in dramatic fashion later on Friday, edging out a hard-fought 9-8 win over Citrus College. Collin O'Neill was the star of the match, netting four goals, while Jack Fritz added two. Phoenix Schultz, Cody Poure, and Brayden Bender each chipped in with a goal. LePine's 10 saves, along with Borchard's key defensive efforts in the final quarter, helped Palomar hold on to the narrow victory.

Game 3: Palomar 18, Merced College 8
On Saturday, Palomar came out firing, defeating Merced College 18-8 in a commanding performance. Caleb Hogle and Collin O'Neill each scored four goals, while Jack Fritz and Phoenix Schultz contributed three apiece. Poure added two goals, and Ian Ritchie dished out three assists. Defensively, LePine and Borchard combined for 17 saves, keeping Merced from closing the gap.

Game 4: Palomar 17, Chaffey College 4
The Comets closed out the tournament with an emphatic 17-4 win over Chaffey College. O'Neill once again led the way with five goals, followed by Hogle's three. Ian Ritchie, Teddy Schmid, and Cody Poure also found the back of the net. Palomar's defense stifled Chaffey's offense, as LePine and Borchard held them to just four goals, combining for 15 saves.

With a 3-1 record at the tournament, the Comets look ahead to a crucial conference matchup against Grossmont College on Wednesday. The road game will have significant seeding implications for the upcoming conference tournament next month, making it a pivotal contest in Palomar's season.