Story Links
Cal Lutheran men’s water polo, boasting an overall record of 14 wins and 13 losses with a notable 7-5 performance in the SCIAC conference, has secured an invitation to compete in the prestigious 2024 SCIAC Tournament. The Kingsmen are eager to reaffirm their prowess in the league as they pursue a second championship title, having previously clinched the recognition as the 3-seed in the 2022 tournament.
Tuesday, Nov. 19
First round, 7 pm: No. 5 Cal Lutheran @ No. 4 CMS Live Video | Live Stats | Tickets
Thursday, Nov. 21
Semifinal 1, 7 pm: Cal Lutheran / CMS @ No. 1 Redlands
Semifinal 2, 7 pm: No. 3 Chapman @ No. 2 Pomona-Pitzer
Saturday, Nov. 23
Final, TBD: Winner of Semifinal 1 vs. Winner of Semifinal 2 (higher seed hosts)
On Saturday, the Kingsmen faced CMS in a tightly contested match to conclude the regular season. After a narrow defeat by two goals, the tiebreaker rules dictated that the Stags would host Cal Lutheran in the first round of the SCIAC Tournament. This outcome has presented an exciting opportunity for the Kingsmen to seek revenge and assert their dominance in the very same pool, just days later.
The highly anticipated first round matchup between the Kingsmen and the Stags is set for 7 pm on Tuesday. The victor will progress to battle against the top-seeded Redlands in the semifinals on Thursday evening. That match’s winner will ultimately vie for the championship title against the victor of the Pomona-Pitzer and Chapman matchup on Saturday, November 23.
Cal Lutheran previously triumphed over CMS with a thrilling 10-9 victory during sudden death double overtime on October 19, but a recent match saw CMS level the season series this past Saturday. Both encounters proved to be intense defensive showdowns, which means Kingsmen goalkeeper Jaeger Gonzales will be pivotal in orchestrating another solid defensive performance on Tuesday.
Live streams of all matches will be offered with a subscription purchase on FloSports. Live stats will be accessible for every match on the FOSH.
Tickets for the matches are available for advance purchase online at $10 (including service fees) or can be purchased on-site for the same price. Additionally, SCIAC students, faculty, and staff who present a valid institution ID, along with children under 12, can enjoy free entry.
What strategies are you implementing to enhance the team’s performance in the upcoming SCIAC Tournament?
### Interview with Cal Lutheran Men’s Water Polo Coach
**Editor:** Thanks for joining us today, Coach. Cal Lutheran’s men’s water polo team has had a strong season, earning a spot in the 2024 SCIAC Tournament. How are you feeling about the team’s performance this year?
**Coach:** Thanks for having me! I’m really proud of the team’s hard work and dedication. Finishing the regular season with a 14-13 overall record and 7-5 in the SCIAC is no small feat. The guys have pushed themselves and have a solid strategy heading into the tournament.
**Editor:** You mentioned strategy. What specific strengths do you think the Kingsmen will bring to their first matchup against CMS?
**Coach:** Our defense has been a strong point this season. We’ve been focusing on our communication in the water, and I believe that will be crucial against CMS. Furthermore, our offense has shown improvement, particularly with our shooting accuracy, which can make a significant difference in tight games.
**Editor:** The team previously reached the championship as the No. 3 seed in 2022. How does that experience influence your current squad’s approach to the tournament?
**Coach:** That experience was invaluable. The players learned a lot about handling pressure in high-stakes situations. We’ve been reinforcing the mindset of enjoying the game while maintaining focus. I think last year’s experience will help us to stay composed and confident as we compete for the title.
**Editor:** Looking ahead, if the team advances, they would face the top seed, Redlands, in the semifinals. How do you prepare for such a big challenge?
**Coach:** We take it one game at a time, focusing on our immediate opponent. However, we are analyzing Redlands closely, knowing they are a tough team. We’ll work on our gameplay, ensuring each player knows their role and what we need to execute as a unit.
**Editor:** Fantastic! Good luck in the tournament! Any final thoughts for Kingsmen supporters?
**Coach:** I just want to say thank you to our supporters! Your encouragement means a lot to the team. We’re excited to compete and bring our best to the pool. Hopefully, we can make you all proud!
**Editor:** Thank you again, Coach, and best of luck to Cal Lutheran in the upcoming tournament!
