Offense Explodes as Tigers earn victory in home opener

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (Oct. 8, 2009) – Excitement spread across Taylor Pool like wildfire today as Occidental College finished their  home opening game victoriously over Santa Ana College. From beginning to end, the Tigers showed complete dominance over the visiting Dons, defeating the east coast visitors 20-5.

During the first half the Tigers appeared to be unstoppable, opening up a 6-0 lead after the opening period of play. Oxy added three more goals in the second quarter, holding a 9-0 lead at the break after completely shutting out the Dons with overpowering defense coupled with a five-block performance from junior goalie Max Kelly.

The second half was more of the same for the Tigers, as they scored six more times in the third, rounding out the game with five fourth quarter goals for an even 20. The freshman duo of Kyle Reuther and Scott Churchman split the remaining time in front of the cage, blocking six and three shots, respectively. In addition to the goalie defense, Oxy recorded four field blocks, two coming from Richard Dybas. The other two were from Dan Seagren and Tai McDermott, who also led the black and orange with four steals. Overall the Tigers prevented seven 5-on-6 situations while allowing no goals in man-down situations.

Throughout the whole game the Tigers offense showed no mercy against their opponents, taking advantage of all the Dons’ weaknesses.  Attackers Austen Oliver and McDermott led the team with five goals apiece. Both Brendan Whitmore and Joe Reynolds contributed to the score with three goals each as Reynolds also finished with a team high six assists.

Occidental drew seven ejections, two apiece from Greg Benz and McDermott, and the Tigers were able to convert five 6-on-5 opportunities into goals this afternoon.

With the win Oxy improve to 4-9 entering two more home non-conference match-ups. The Tigers will jump back in the pool on Saturday, Oct. 10 at 11:00 a.m. when they host the visiting Connecticut College Camels.

Article: Adalberto Vasquez, Student Reporter