Air Force Cadets fall to third-ranked Bruins for second time this season
By Daily Bruin Staff
Nov. 11, 1996 9:00 p.m.
Tuesday, November 12, 1996
WATER POLO:
The victory enhances team pride, are now ready for battle with
TrojansBy Greg Calvert
Daily Bruin Contributor
The UCLA Bruins hosted Air Force Monday at Sunset Canyon
Recreation Center, where they handed the eighth-ranked Cadets an
11-8 defeat. This non-conference victory improved third-ranked
UCLA’s overall record to 20-2.
"We came together today and did a good job," head coach Guy
Baker said. "They played with intensity."
The Bruins came out in the first quarter with a strong defense
that held its opponent scoreless. Air Force senior Brian Pendergast
scored three points in the second quarter to bring the Cadets
within two, but UCLA came out on fire in the third quarter.
In that quarter the Bruins demonstrated what team play is all
about. UCLA’s precision passing left Air Force players struggling,
and the Bruins kept dishing out the assists. Late in the third
quarter, goalkeeper Matt Swanson passed the length of the pool to
senior driver Jim Toring, who netted his third goal of the
game.
The fourth quarter provided a reminder to the Bruins what affect
a five-point lead can have on their intensity. Air Force outscored
the Bruins 4-2 in the final seven minutes, but their hopes of a
victory faded with the ticking of the clock.
The Cadets leave California having won two of their three
matches. They beat Pepperdine and Claremont before coming to
Westwood for their second loss to the Bruins this season.
Air Force hosted a tournament this past September in Colorado
Springs where the Bruins rolled over UC Davis, the Cadets, Santa
Clara, and UC San Diego to capture their second tournament title of
the season.
The Bruins are primed for their Mountain Pacific Sports
Federation match against top-ranked USC this Thursday. Game time is
scheduled for 3 p.m. and will be held at USC’s McDonald swim
stadium. A victory over the Trojans is crucial for the MPSF
tournament seeding, but according to the players, it’s all about
"Bruin Pride."
