Warriors Tune Up for Troyer with Win over LIU

By Brandon Petersen

The Westcliff men's water polo team used Wednesday afternoon's match with first-year Long Island University at Woollett Aquatic Center as a tune-up for this weekend's Gary Troyer Invitational.

The machine is well oiled, and ready to roll. 

The Warriors swam away with a 24-11 victory in a match that allowed for extended minutes up and down the roster.

"Long Island is a brand new program, like we are. This is their inaugural men's season," Westcliff head coach Preslav Djippov said. "So I thought it would be a great way for us to prepare for the Gary Troyer tournament that is coming (Friday). 

"It's a very important tournament for us."

Giljan Alfano from the top and Mateja Bosic from the wing led the way in scoring for the Warriors, finishing with four goals each. 

Both Giorgi Khizanishvili and Andrej Maodus had three each. 

"This was a good way to see where we are right now, and how we develop our team," Djippov said. "We were able to give a lot of opportunities for some of those players who get less playing time. We tried some other ideas, different kinds of strategies."

Djippov used the third quarter to play all of his starters, save for keeper.

Bowen Lasher (four saves) joined the starters in the third and the group performed well, scoring 10 goals and allowing two — one on a penalty shot. 

"We're getting there when it comes to playing at a very high level," Djippov said. "We are good with a high pace."

The Warriors will play four matches in two days at the Gary Troyer Invite, facing off against Fresno Pacific, KcKendree, Cal Baptist and Whittier — all four will be tough, competitive matches. Which is why the depth of the Warriors' roster must be fine-tuned and ready to perform well over the weekend. 

"It was great to get a lot of the guys a good amount of playing time," Djippov said. "We are going to be relying on everyone in the coming days."

Roberto Barrera (nine saves) played the first two quarters, and turned in his usual high-level performance in the cage. 

Vincenzo Inguanta (two goals), scored on a breakaway after picking up a steal at mid-court. Jake Ison also scored a pair. 

Nathan Seaux had the goal of the match, a gorgeous no-look one-timer that steamed into corner net and drew ooh's and aah's from his teammates on the bench. 

Djordje Mitrovic, Mark Daniel Merai, Dume Marsinach, Alberto Seva, Cardin Chavez and Inigo Gonzalez all scored a goal each. 

"I'm happy. I'm satisfied," Djippov said. "We have to keep pushing. Moving forward. Building the good name of Westcliff University."

The Warriors' first match Friday against Fresno Pacific begins at 12:40 p.m.