UCLA men’s water polo kicks off season with 12-4 win against Concordia
By Daily Bruin Staff
Sept. 11, 2010 5:42 p.m.
Led by a slew of familiar faces and two key newcomers, the UCLA men’s water polo team cruised to a win in its season opener.
No. 2 UCLA (1-0) defeated No. 12 Concordia (0-1) 12-4 at Spieker Aquatics Center on Saturday to kick off a season that comes with high expectations for the team.
Senior Ben Hohl led the way with three goals for UCLA, while senior Emilio Vieira found the back of the net twice. It was the Bruins’ first step forward since their 7-6 loss to USC in last year’s NCAA championship game.
True freshmen Cristiano Mirarchi and Aimone Barabino, both Italian junior national team members, made their presence felt in their first collegiate action. Mirarchi chipped in two goals, while Barabino added one. In a class of 13 incoming freshmen, the two Italian newcomers are the only players not redshirting this year.
Faced with the task of having to replace star goalkeeper Chay Lapin, second-year coach Adam Wright didn’t tip his hand as to who would be the permanent starter Saturday. Both redshirt junior Andrew Mesesan and redshirt sophomore Matt Rapacz saw time Saturday. Rapacz got the start and played the first and third periods, while Mesesan played the second and fourth quarters.
The first test of the season for UCLA comes next weekend when the team heads to the NorCal Tournament held in Pleasant Hill and Berkeley.
Compiled by Ryan Menezes, Bruin Sports senior staff.
