Driver Jesse Paredes scored five goals to help lead the Cerritos College men’s water polo team to its 25-11 victory over Chaffey College last Wednesday afternoon.

“Our defense was great and the assists were well executed. I was just where I needed to be,” Paredes confirms.

Utility Louie Esparza also contributed with five goals.

“The pressing, the assists, the defense-everything was there. I just made sure that every opportunity for a goal was taken.”

With 11 of the 13 members of the team each earning playtime, the team got on the board fast, scoring in the first minute of the game.

By the end of the first period, the team was up 9-3 and by halftime, Cerritos was leading 16-5 with seven of its 13 saves by goalies Kieran Hattie and Ian Pawlowski.

During the third quarter however, an offensive foul was called against driver Mark Zuniga.

Apparently, Zuniga was seen pushing and kicking against a player from the rival team.

Because there was clear space in front and behind both players, the call was due to him instigating a conflict.

“It was for no reason,” he said. “The referee called the foul on me because he didn’t see what was going on under water.”

Zuniga was delayed playing time for that play.

Head coach Joe Abing said, “That call was really nothing. (Zuniga) had already received three tallies. It was not like he was looking for any kind of trouble.”

Pat Muniz was also another player who chipped with three goals in the game.

“We carried out strong and we killed them,” Muniz stated.

Abing proudly commented, “Our depth and the fact that almost everyone had the chance to play allowed our team to really come through.”