Bulldogs Notch SCIAC Victory at Chapman, Cap Busy 4-Game Gary Troyer Tournament With Pair of Clutch Wins

Compiled by David James Heiss

Redlands News Collective

ORANGE & CLAREMONT, Calif. — The University of Redlands men's water polo team turned in a resilient, action-packed week, earning its first Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) win of the season over Chapman University before battling through a grueling four-game slate at the Gary Troyer Tournament on Oct. 2-3.

SCIAC Breakthrough at Chapman

Redlands (5-10, 1-1 SCIAC) opened its week by grinding out a 10-7 conference road victory against Chapman in Orange.

After falling behind early, Camarillo sophomore Camilo Solis tied the game at 2-2 with a second-quarter power-play goal — the only score by either team in the frame.

Nick Davidson

Freshman Nick Davidson was the late-game clutch hero across the weekend. He drew and scored the game-tying penalty shot with seven seconds left against McKendree to force overtime, then netted the game-winning goal in OT. He also delivered key goals and assists in the SCIAC road win against Chapman and the victory over Mount St. Mary's.

The Bulldogs found their rhythm in the third quarter behind a penalty conversion from senior Oliver Finley, of Cape Town, South Africa, a goal by El Cajon senior Jake Simpson off an assist from freshman Nick Davidson, of Honolul), and a tally from Kentfield sophomore Ossie Joplin (setup by junior Joseph Madigan, of Arlington, Virginia.

Chapman rallied to tie the match at 5-5 early in the fourth quarter, but a goal by St. Louis senior Adam Lambert sparked a decisive 3-0 Bulldog run.

Simpson added two more tallies during the stretch to complete a team-high hat trick, and late insurance goals from Laguna Niguel senior Tanner Stagner and Davidson sealed the victory. Freshman goalkeeper Matias Sheridan, of Honolulu, earned the win with four saves and a steal.

Day One at Gary Troyer Tournament

The Bulldogs transitioned into tournament action on Friday, Oct. 2, facing a tough double-header split in Claremont.

In the morning opener at Pomona-Pitzer's Haldeman Pool, Redlands fell 15-5 to No. 12 University of California, San Diego. Lambert, Stagner, Loyola junior Stephen Ramirez, Madigan, and Alameda freshman Zach Dortch each recorded goals for the Bulldogs, while Sheridan turned away eight shots in goal.

Redlands rebounded Friday afternoon at Claremont-Mudd-Scripps' Axelrood Pool, pulling out a dramatic 11-10 victory over Mount St. Mary's University (Md.).

Trailing 3-1 early, the Bulldogs executed a 4-0 run behind power-play goals from Torrance freshman Evan Keene, Davidson, and Stagner, taking a 5-3 lead. After the Mountaineers surged back to build an 8-7 advantage in the fourth quarter, Redlands mounted a 3-0 spurt behind goals from Stagner, Redlands senior Lennon Franklin, and Simpson to go up 10-8.

Mount St. Mary's struck twice in the final minute to equalize at 10-10 with 29 seconds left. However, following a timeout called by head coach Ryan Hall, Simpson drew a penalty with six seconds on the clock, and Finley converted the game-winning shot with four seconds remaining.

Redlands excelled in situational play, finishing 5-of-14 on power plays and 3-of-3 on penalty shots, while holding Mount St. Mary's to just 1-of-9 on player advantages. Goalkeepers Septime De Bonnafos (10 saves) and Nathan Gattorna (three saves) combined for the victory.

Day Two: Overtime Heroics Cap Weekend

Playing their fourth match in roughly 28 hours on Saturday, Oct. 3, the Bulldogs opened the morning with a 20-8 loss against No. 7 Long Beach State University. Finley and Madigan each scored twice, while Long Beach freshman Samson Casem, Joplin, Visalia senior Matthew Wheeler, and Simpson added single tallies.

Sheridan played all 32 minutes, recording five saves and two steals.

Redlands closed out the tournament in thrilling fashion Saturday afternoon, rallying for a 13-12 come-from-behind overtime victory over McKendree University.

The Bulldogs faced an 8-6 deficit at halftime despite a first-half hat trick from Stagner. McKendree held an 11-8 advantage midway through the fourth quarter before Redlands mounted a furious comeback.

Lambert assisted Dortch for a goal, and Wheeler found Joplin to cut the deficit to 12-11 with 1:36 remaining in regulation. With eight seconds left, Lambert drew a penalty, setting up Davidson to bury the equalizer with seven seconds remaining and force overtime.

In the extra period, Madigan won the opening sprint to give Redlands first possession, which Wheeler capitalized on by assisting Davidson for the game-winning goal. Madigan sealed the victory by field-blocking McKendree's final shot attempt as time expired. Sheridan delivered a standout performance in goal during the second half, ending the day with 10 saves, three steals, and an assist.

Up Next

Redlands returns home to the Thompson Aquatic Center to resume SCIAC play against Occidental College on Wednesday, Oct. 7, at 7 p.m.