TAYLOR LAPIN defends the Rustler goal in match against USC . Western Sun Photo Jeane Parel
By Jeane Parel
Western Sun staff writer
The Golden West men’s water polo team fell short in a close exhibition game against the Associated Press no. 1 ranked USC Trojans on Saturday, Sept. 24. The Rustlers lost to the Trojans, 10-8.
Golden West kept it tight in the first quarter but slipped four goals behind by the end of the third. The Rustlers refused to remain silent as David Jorth defended his team with a steal while goalie, Taylor Lapin, came up with two very much-needed saves in the second half.
The Rustlers worked to close the four-point gap built by the Trojans with second half goals from Kevin Oliveira, Luca De Vivo, and Bero Rusz. Despite gaining five points in the second half, GWC still finished two goals behind USC at the end of the game.
“When you play against better players it exposes your weaknesses so it was a great opportunity for our kids to go up there and play,” head coach Scott Taylor said. “They did the best they could and we’re able to come back and learn from all the mistakes they made.”
In his 10th season as head coach, Taylor has brought the Rustlers three state championships, nine Southern California championships and nine conference titles.
Although last weekend’s loss does not count toward GWC’s record, Taylor thought it was a good experience for the team to be able to play against the highest level of college athletes. His team has no choice but to rise to the challenge. “They get to see what they have to do here at Golden West to make it there.”
The green and gold will take their learned lessons and take on the University of the Pacific at 12 p.m. and Sierra at 1:30 p.m. both this Friday at Pacific’s pool.
