Written by: Pristine Tompkin

The Riverside City College men’s water polo team defeated Saddleback, 19-10, Sept. 30, resulting in its first conference win.

RCC led 7-2 after the first quarter and 12-4 at halftime.

Despite the Tigers win against Saddleback Head coach Jason Northcott was not satisfied with how the team played.

“10 goals allowed is far too many,” Northcott said.

Co-captain Trevor Tripp contributed to the victory with 2 goals and 2 assists.

Tripp expressed that the team is not an offense first team.

“We are a defense first team,” he said, when speaking about the outcome of the game. “All that score shows (us) is we focused more on offense than defense.”

Twenty-five of the players from the Tigers water polo team received playing time in the game.

Out of the 25 that received playing time, 13 scored at least one goal or assist, and two of the three goalkeepers recorded saves.

Tripp also stated he was not  thrilled with how his team played either.

“We need to do a better job of focusing on the defensive side of things,” Tripp said.

The Tigers were led by freshman driver Lazar Raca, who had five goals, three assists and four, steals.

Freshman center Jonah Saenz added three goals and one assist and freshman utility player Kyle Christian added two goals and two assists.

RCC freshman goalkeeper Dustin Shaw had 12 saves and freshman goalie Blake Vazmendes had three saves.

With the win against the Gauchos, the Tigers match their victories from last season.

The Tigers are currently 8-4 overall and 1-1 in conference play.

The Gauchos are currently 4-6 overall with a 1-1 record in conference play.

Men’s water polo host their own tournament Oct. 9-10 at the Riverside Aquatics Complex at Riverside City College.