Kingsmen Convincing in First Win of Season

CLU earns lopsided win over La Verne

Sunday, Sep. 4, 2011 9:00 pm

Brandon Gross scored 10 goals at the Triton Invitational on Sunday.
Credit: Scott Chisholm Hi-res image

LA JOLLA, Calif. - Cal Lutheran men's water polo finished its first weekend of competition with a resounding 16-5 victory over fellow SCIAC member La Verne on Sunday. Brandon Gross scored seven times in the victory over the Leopards matching a program record.

Official Website: Triton Invitational 2011

UC San Diego 15, Cal Lutheran 6 - F
To start Sunday the Kingsmen faced off against the host Tritons, the third straight non-NCAA Division III opponent to begin the season. After falling behind 4-0 heading into the second quarter the Cal Lutheran offense scored six times over the final three periods.

It was the start of a big day for Gross who led CLU with three goals. Kingsmen freshman Kyle Norheim netted his first collegiate goal.

After Matt Baerg made six saves through the opening three quarters he gave way to CLU newcomer Conrad Aleks who made his first save with the program in the fourth frame.

Cal Lutheran 16, La Verne 5 - F
CLU erupted for 16 goals against ULV including seven from Gross. The total equals a program record set by brother Brian Gross who set the mark in 2009. Brother Brandon went on to contributed three assists, three steals and two drawn exclusions in the game.

The Leopards were held to only two first half goals and faced an 8-2 deficit. Kingsmen goalkeeper Danny Mock turned away 14 shots and shutout La Verne in the final quarter.

Eight different Kingsmen scored including a hat trick by Dejan Novakovic. Mike Potter scored his first collegiate goal and senior Alex Hacker put away a goal against his former squad.

Cal Lutheran (1-3) will host the Posada Royale Invitational starting on Thursday, Sept. 15. The Kingsmen will take on MIT at 4 p.m. to open the event.