Sophomore Derek Klotzer is looking forward to the men’s water polo team’s scrimmage against the United States Naval Academy Sunday, Sept. 22 and showcasing what the team can do.

“We’re going to execute our offense and defense as best as we can. If we win, we win, but we’re trying to see what works.”

The match against the Naval Academy is a scrimmage and will have no affect on the team’s overall record, however the chance to go toe-to-toe with one of the best team’s in the country is an opportunity that will not be wasted.

“This is a unique opportunity for us,” head coach Joe Abing said. “This is a division one, four year, powerhouse school.”

For the previous two years, the men’s water polo team has flown out to Annapolis, Maryland, where the Naval Academy is located, to play against it.

This Sunday, the Naval Academy pays a visit to Cerritos College.

“Obviously, Navy is going to be very strong and physical,” freshman Michael Hanna said. “We may not be as big and talented, but if we outsmart them, we can definitely beat them.”

Added Klotzer, “Of course, Navy is a good team. They are division one and play against teams like USC, so really, we’re going into the match as the underdogs and see(ing) what we can do.”

Coming off a 13-10 victory in an away contest against Mt. San Antonio on Wednesday, Sept. 18, the men’s water polo team has propelled its record to .500 and has the momentum it seeks in order to prove it can hang with the likes of the Naval Academy.

Sophomore Randy Baldwin said, “We can take anyone, we have a really good team. We’ll work hard (and) do our best and have fun.”

Game time is 8 a.m.