Men's Water Polo captures second place at Sierra Pacific Championship Tournament

VALLEJO, Calif. – Ian Iverson and Ian Diamond each scored in the second period of Sunday's Sierra Pacific Championship game vs. Cal, which turned an early 4-1 hole into a one-goal game at halftime. And even though the Keelhaulers hung tough against Cal all afternoon long, the Golden Bears were able to withstand multiple dangerous scoring opportunities created by Cal Maritime throughout the second half to protect that advantage until the final horn and earn the league's berth in the national tournament by virtue of its 8-6 victory.

With Sunday's result, the Keelhaulers ended this weekend tournament at PEAC Pool in second place, and the 2021 campaign with an 8-3 overall record.

"We took their best shot and fought back with our scoring surge. We had opportunities to get over the hump, in a one-goal game, but we just could not get over that hump. We had our opportunities to change the direction of the game, but we just could not get over that hump," said head coach Steve Doten.

"With that kind of score, everyone was treated to a hard-fought, high-quality water polo game."

Following Saturday's game-winning goal, which clinched a berth in Sunday's title match for Cal Maritime, Coach Doten highlighted Brandon Kolarov's play against the Golden Bears.

"The guy has been a leader all year and set the tempo for this team all year long. He is a hard worker and never misses an opportunity to help the team, or his individual skill set, improve. To see him hit the game-winning goal yesterday and shut down Cal's best player today shows how his defense, and field blocks throughout the game, kept this game close.

"I could not ask for anything more from this guy, he is an outstanding role model for this team."

With Kolarov playing a key role throughout the game, Cal Maritime did limit Cal's offense in the second head-to-head meeting of the season. When these teams squared off in the second day of action at the Keelhauler Classic, the Bears scored 12 goals and squeaked past Cal Maritime by one goal in a game that was decided in overtime.

"Cal always plays tough and shows a lot of grit; we kept them to eight goals today which shows how our defense improved from earlier in the season."

Added Doten, "Those guys played the best team of the conference well, with a chance to win, and should not hang their heads. After everyone takes a day off, we will meet, regroup and move forward."

Cal 8, Cal Maritime 6

Cal Maritime Goals: Ian Iverson 3, Ian Diamond 2, Aron Cameron 1
Cal Goals:  Lee 3, Ardjmand 2, Mohl 2, Presten 1