Spirit Open Season with Convincing Victory

For the first time in program history, the OUAZ men's water polo team won its season opening game, taking down Mt. San Antonio 18-11 on Friday night. The Spirit outscored its opponent in every period of the opening match at the Air Force Invitational.

The Spirit scored two goals in 1:13 to start the game, and never looked back. OUAZ finished the first period up 5-2, giving themselves the large margin with a buzzer-beating goal by Anthony Vargas. The Spirit tacked on four more before halftime to take a four-goal advantage into the break.

OUAZ did not let up coming back into the pool, scoring the half's first four goals to take a 13-5 lead. The Spirit did get its lead up to 15-6, but Mt. San Antonio was able to pull within six before the final period.

It was the closest the Mounties would get, as OUAZ got its lead to 18-10 before a Mt. San Antonio goal with 17 seconds left brought the final score to focus. The final also marks the largest margin of victory in program history.

Nine different Spirit players scored goals, led by Roland Mantecon's four. Five players had multi-goal games as well, with Andrew Vana scoring three, and Tony Vargas, Travis Alvarado and Garrett Davis adding two apiece.

Zack Whiddon made key saves all throughout Friday night, making five of them in 32 minutes. The most goals the Spirit allowed in one period was four, a total they either matched or surpassed offensively in three periods on Friday.

OUAZ will hop into the pool again on Saturday, as they continue with a pair of games in the Air Force Invitational. They will play Denver at 10:30 a.m., then play the Falcons Water Polo team at 3:15 p.m.

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Players Mentioned

#3 Andrew Vana: ATT; 5' 7"; Freshman

#11 Travis Alvarado: C; 6' 2"; Junior

#13 Garrett Davis: UT; 6' 0"; Freshman

#9 Roland Mantecon: C/D; 6' 0"; Sophomore

#2 Tony Vargas: C; 6' 3"; Sophomore

Players Mentioned

#3 Andrew Vana
: 5' 7"; Freshman
: ATT

#11 Travis Alvarado
: 6' 2"; Junior
: C

#13 Garrett Davis
: 6' 0"; Freshman
: UT

#9 Roland Mantecon
: 6' 0"; Sophomore
: C/D

#2 Tony Vargas
: 6' 3"; Sophomore
: C