THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – California Lutheran University’s Kingsmen men’s water polo team opened their home schedule with a decisive 14-6 win over the University of California, Merced (UC Merced) on October 1, 2026, at the Samuelson Aquatics Center. The victory improved Cal Lutheran to 5-7 overall and 1-1 in Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) play.
The Kingsmen started strong, winning the first period 3-0, with contributions from Ceasar Nava, Levi Cook, and Paul Patterson. Cal Lutheran maintained control throughout the match, leading 6-1 at halftime and extending the lead in the final periods.
Paul Patterson led all scorers with three goals, completing a hat trick early in the fourth quarter. Eleven different Kingsmen scored in the game, showing balanced offensive depth. Levi Cook added one goal and three assists for four points, while Max Gerdeman, Merrick Giles, and Eric Shea each finished with one goal and two assists.
Goalkeeper Dylan Bassler played all 32 minutes, making 10 saves and anchoring the defense. The team collectively recorded 10 steals, helping to limit UC Merced’s scoring opportunities.
Upcoming Tournament Schedule
Following the victory, Cal Lutheran prepared to compete in the Gary Troyer Tournament hosted by Claremont-Mudd-Scripps and Pomona-Pitzer. The Kingsmen were scheduled to face Air Force at 10:15 a.m. at Pomona-Pitzer on October 2, followed by a 3:15 p.m. game against UC Irvine at Claremont-Mudd-Scripps.
CSB Take
California Lutheran University’s strong home opener highlighted the Kingsmen men’s water polo team’s scoring balance and defensive toughness. With 11 players contributing to the scoreboard and a stout performance by goalkeeper Dylan Bassler, Cal Lutheran demonstrated the depth necessary to compete in SCIAC play. This balanced effort sets a strong foundation as the Kingsmen head into the Gary Troyer Tournament and the remainder of the season.
Source: Original report
