Men’s water polo: OCC takes first two in tourney

VENTURA - Orange Coast College men’s water polo team was excited to

get the 1999 season underway and it showed in Friday’s 18-1 win over Long

Beach City College and 12-8 win over Rio Hondo in the Ventura Water Polo

Tournament.

In the two games, Scott Butler scored 10 goals, while Kevin Becker and

Jon Smalley added four apiece for the Pirates (2-0).

In the net, Matt Oliver had eight saves in the Long Beach City game

and 7 against Rio Hondo.

“We were anxious to play today,” Coach Chris Oeding said. “The games

were played like they were the first games of the year. There were some

pre-game jitters, but overall it was a good start for us.”

Also contributing offensively was Matt McKenney with three goals on

Friday.

In the opener against Long Beach, the Pirates jumped out early with a

6-0 first quarter lead and never looked back.

Against Rio Hondo, another strong first quarter followed by a stronger

defensive second quarter saw the Pirates lead 8-3 at the half.

Next up for the Pirates in the tournament is Citrus College and

Riverside.

“Depending on how we do in the opening game, we could be playing for

first, third or fifth in the tournament,” Oeding said.