Big Goal, Big Block, Big Win

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (Oct. 13, 2007) – It all came down to 10 seconds, then it all came down to one. Both times the Occidental Tigers came through as Abiel Garcia overcame two defenders with a behind the back shot that found its way past Fresno Pacific goalie Tighe Hill before Oxy’s sophomore keeper Max Kelly made a huge save to clinch the 13-12 victory.

The capacity crowd at Taylor Pool saw an intense game from the get-go. Fresno Pacific took a 4-3 first quarter lead and clung to an 8-7 lead at the half way mark.

Occidental defense held FPU scoreless in the third while they added two goals of their own to take a 9-8. During the final quarter of play the Tigers took an 11-8 lead before FPU clawed their way back, tying the score at 12-12 with 16 seconds remaining in regulation.

With one last chance and 16 seconds to get off a shot, the Tigers set the ball up to their center, Garcia, who made a spectacular shot to give Oxy the edge.

Leading the offense in the game was Andrew Valdes who scored five times. Garcia, John Wensman and Cameron Brahmst each added a pair and Sean Inoue rounded out the Tigers scoring. Kelly, Wensman and Brahmst each got three steals in the win and Inoue added two assists.

Defensively Wensman and Adam Kantor drew two exclusions apiece.

With the victory the Tigers complete a 3-0 weekend as they improver their overall mark to 10-7. Earlier today Oxy defeated Caltech 21-2 for their first SCIAC win of 2007.

Occidental will be back in the pool on Wednesday when they host a tough Cal Lutheran team at Taylor Pool. The first sprint of the game will begin at 4:00 p.m.