From goredlands.com
Photo by Alan Barcenas
Senior Jake Simpson was the catalyst across both matches—tallying three assists and a steal against UC Irvine, followed by two crucial goals in the victory over Concordia Irvine.
REDLANDS — The University of Redlands men's water polo team made its 2026 Thompson Aquatic Center debut Friday during the Inland Empire Classic, dropping a 16-6 contest to No. 13 UC Irvine before bouncing back to defeat Concordia University Irvine, 14-13.
UC Irvine 16, Redlands 6
The Anteaters scored the opening three goals before Honolulu freshman Nick Davidson converted on a power play at the 4:50 mark of the first quarter to get Redlands on the board.
Trailing 7-1 late in the second quarter, El Cajon senior Jake Simpson found senior Adam Lambert, of St. Louis, with 2:35 remaining to pull the Bulldogs within five at halftime, 7-2.
In the second half, Simpson recorded his second assist when he set up senior Oliver Finley, of Capetown, South Africa, for Redlands' lone goal of the third period. Over the final 4:51 of the fourth quarter, the Bulldogs scored three times as junior Mathieu Bordet, of Marseille, France, Camarillo sophomore Camilo Solis, and Yucaipa freshman Blake Minkler all found the back of the net, with Simpson and Redlands East Valley alumnus senior attacker Lennon Franklin tallying assists.
Simpson led the field players with three assists and a steal. Solis added two drawn exclusions to his goal, as did Lambert. In goal, Honolulu freshman Matias Sheridan made six first-half saves.
Redlands 14, Concordia Irvine 13
In the second game of the day, Redlands held a 3-2 lead after one quarter behind a goal from Finley and two from Simpson.
Concordia Irvine responded with three unanswered goals in the second period to take a 5-3 advantage. Glendora junior Michael Villagran then connected with Simpson, and junior Johnny Starr, of Bakersfield, scored shortly after to cut the deficit to 6-5 at halftime.
The Bulldogs created separation in the third quarter, scoring six goals to turn a one-goal deficit into an 11-9 advantage after 24 minutes. Alameda freshman Zach Dortch scored twice in the frame, while Lambert, Finley, Simpson, and Starr each added a goal.
The lead grew to 14-10 with 3:19 remaining following a pair of goals from Davidson and one from Minkler off an assist from Visalia senior Matthew Wheeler.
The Golden Eagles scored three times in less than two minutes to pull within one at 14-13 with 48 seconds remaining, but the Bulldog offense ran out the clock on its final two possessions to secure the victory.
Next up
Redlands concludes the Inland Empire Classic on Saturday, hosting California Baptist University at 8 a.m. and Cal State Fullerton at 2 p.m.