Despite getting seven goals from Danny Garcia, the Cerritos College men’s water polo team lost to Long Beach City College, 19-8, Wednesday in the Falcons’ pool.
Trailing 4-0, Garcia scored the Falcons’ first goal in the second quarter.
After the Vikings scored five goals to take a 9-1 lead, Garcia scored another goal.
The Vikings scored seven goals in the third period to pull ahead, 16-2.
In the fourth period, Garcia scored four goals and Duje Kaliterna scored one goal for Cerritos.
Kaliterna said, “If we played the first three quarters the way we played the last quarter, we could have won.
“The reason we did not play better is because we were out played during the first three quarters.”
Falcons’ driver Jerry Portillo said that the team could have played better, if not for simple mistakes.
“We need to work on our passing and avoid making simple mistakes. Once we work on these things we will know what to expect at the Cuesta tournament.”
The team will host Pasadena Wednesday at 3 p.m.
Women also get dunked
Jill Strickland scored the only goal for the Falcons women’s water polo team as it lost to Long Beach City College 18-1 Wednesday at Cerritos.
Falcon Coach Hal Simonek said that Megan Robles, second in steals in the state, did not play in the match because she was injuried.
“If she would have played, she would have made a big difference in our game.”
The Vikings led 10-0 after one period.
In the second period Strickland scored for the Falcons.
Long Beach then added two more goals to make the score 12-1 at halftime.
The Vikings scored five goals in the third period, and were held scoreless by the Falcons in the fourth.
The Falcons’ Helida Ortiz said, “We tried our best but they are stronger.
“If we stick together and play the way we played against the Vikings we will beat Pasadena.
“We need to work on our steals, shooting, passing and defense to beat Pasadena.”
Strickland said, “We did well, considering that the team is young and we have a lot of injuries.
“The game against Pasadena should be close.”
The team’s next game is Wednesday at home against Pasadena.
