Owls Secure First Conference Win with 16-13 Victory at Santa Monica

Men's Water Polo picked up their first conference win of the season on Wednesday afternoon, defeating Santa Monica College 16-13 at the Santa Monica College Aquatics Center.

With the win, the Owls improve to 4-14 overall and 1-2 in conference play, while the Corsairs fall to 5-14 overall and 0-2 in conference.

Citrus trailed 4-3 after the opening quarter but went off for for six goals in the second to take a 9-8 lead at halftime. The Owls carried that momentum into the third, outscoring Santa Monica 6-2 to build a commanding advantage. Despite a late push from the Corsairs, Citrus added one more in the fourth to seal the 16-13 win.

Sophomore standouts Liam Ross and Trace Faskell led the way, each matching the game-high with six goals and two assists. Faskell added three steals, while Ross chipped in a steal and drew three exclusions. Morrison Villa tallied two goals, four assists, and three steals, and both Noah Guzman and Ethan Gregory scored once and assisted on three goals apiece. Benjamin Johnston also contributed three steals and an assist in the victory.

Citrus now turns its attention to the Cuesta College Tournament in San Luis Obispo this weekend. The Owls will face Cuesta (9:10 a.m.) and Cabrillo (12:40 p.m.) on Friday, October 17, followed by Las Positas (9:50 a.m.) and Rio Hondo (1:20 p.m.) on Saturday, October 18.