San Diego, Calif.: On Friday, Sept. 21, many Californians enjoyed a once in a lifetime opportunity of watching the final flight of the Space Shuttle Endeavor. While that was happening, the Cerritos College Men’s Water Polo team was winning their first two games in the San Diego Mesa College Water Polo Tournament.
They beat Santa Ana College 17-10 early, while sinking the host San Diego Mesa College 20-9 in the afternoon contest at Mesa’s home pool.
Cerritos College vs. Santa Ana College
“We led all the way, taking control from the very beginning,” said Cerritos College’s head water polo coach Joe Abing regarding the effort of the team in the first game against the Dons from Santa Ana College.
Cerritos College’s freshman utility player, Miguel Garcia scored a team high five goals for the falcons.
Garcia, from Montebello High School, is listed at 6’0” and was a four-time all-Almont league honoree.
Falcon captain and two-meter defender, Christian Cordova felt, “We started out a little shaky in the game against Santa Ana, but our coach (Abing) whipped us into shape.”
Cordova, who has a younger brother on the team as well, said, ”It’s a lot of fun; it’s our first time playing together (referring to younger brother Kevin).”
Two Falcons shared goal-tending duties with Michael Skinas making six saves while teammate and fellow goalie Coleton Perez, attributed another four.
Cerritos outscored the Dons 17-10 to secure their first win of the tournament.
Cerritos College vs. San Diego Mesa College
Against the hosts of the tournament, the Olympians of San Diego Mesa College, Cerritos College once again led from the beginning, dominating the game, and grasping a 20-9 win.
Kevin Cordova, Christian’s younger brother, scored four goals against Mesa to his brother’s two.
Brother Christian spoke of the Falcon defense saying,” It (defense) is definitely our strength,” regarding the lack of offensive success of the Olympians.
Miguel Garcia added three more goals to his personal stats while at least 10 Falcons were able to score at least one goal apiece.
Saturday, Sept. 21, the Falcons will return to the pool for day two of the San Diego Mesa College Water Polo Tournament to take on the Griffins of Grossmont College, who hail from nearby El Cajon, Calif. The game is scheduled for a 10:15 a.m. square off.
