The San Diego men’s water polo team is looking to snap a two-game losing streak at the Mt. SAC Mini this weekend in Walnut, California.
The Olympians have recently lost two hard fought games against Grossmont College 22-14 and Palomar College 18-16. “All season long, we have struggled to play four-quarters of solid play. Against Palomar, we were outscored 10-3 in the second quarter, a deficit that’s hard to overcome,” states head coach Nathan Resch. “We were resilient and fought back to make it a one-score deficit, but we just could not overcome the hole we created.
The team has generated plenty of offensive opportunities but have failed to finish their shots. In addition to not converting for points, the team needs to improve consistent ball control and defense.
Freshman Rodrigo Camargo Marcondes (CSA High School) play has improved. “Rodrigo has been playing much better lately,” states Resch. “I’m hoping we can get our keepers to make key saves, which creates momentum, like our last quarter against Palomar where we outscored them 7-2.”
The team will face Citrus College at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday followed by Mt. San Antonio College later in the afternoon.
It’s will be important for the Olympians to compete at a high level and create momentum before the year end conference championships scheduled for Friday, November 2 at Southwestern College. “If we can stick to our game plan, and maintain discipline on both sides of the pool, we will be in a place to win every game through conference,” explains Resch. “I like that we have a balanced attack where anyone in the pool can step up and make a play. Success in the PCAC tournament is often decided by who is more consistent throughout the game, particularly on defense.