Posted: Oct 07, 2013

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Sophomore Christian Deamer had seven goals, two assists, and two steals for the Owls on the weekend.

Mission Viejo, CA -- The Citrus College Men's Water Polo program headed South this past weekend to participate in the Saddleback Invitational water polo tournament. The Owls played some close games throughout, and came out the other side 2-2.

The weekend opened up with a familiar foe when Citrus took on Western State Conference rival Santa Monica College. The Owls actually trailed after the first quarter, facing a two goal deficit 5-3. Citrus slowly worked their way back into the game cutting their shortfall to one goal at the half 5-6. In the third quarter, each team was held to a single goal, but in the fourth, the Owls took it over, scoring three goals to Santa Monica's one en route to a 9-8 win.

In the win, Freshman Patrick Phommachanh led the way with four goals. Freshman Charles Ortega added four goals and five steals, while sophomore Christian Deamer scored twice.

After the close win against Santa Monica the Owls faced another team that they have already played twice this year. Unfortunately for Citrus, the third result was the same as the previous two as they dropped a 4-8 game with Santa Ana College.

Ortega, Deamer, Phommachanh, and sophomore Robert "Austin" Sanchez all scored in the loss. Sophomore goalie Andy Perez had eight blocks in a losing effort.

On the second day, the Owls took on the weekend's host Saddleback College. The Owls would lead after the first two quarters of play 5-3, but the Gauchos stormed back in the second half to tie the game up at 10 all and send the game into overtime. Saddleback scored once in the first overtime and the Owls answered in the second to send it to sudden death. The Gauchos would strike first in the "golden goal" time to grab a 12-11 win over Citrus.

Ortega scored a team leading five goals in the win. Sophomore John Martinez had four steals and an assist, while Deamer scored twice and passes out a pair of assists.

In the final game of the weekend, Citrus went toe to toe with El Camino College for the second time this season. The Owls cruised to a 14-4 victory. Citrus led 4-0 after the first quarter and never looked back. Freshman Zachary Miller scored a team high three goals in the win. Freshmen Kristopher Williams and Jessie Iniquez each scored twice as well.

After going 2-2 on the weekend, Citrus' record moved to 9-8 on the year. The Owls will be back out in the water this week when they head to Santa Monica College for their third meeting of the year with the Corsairs. This time it's a WSC affair, and it's set for a 3:00 PM start.