GRIFFINS WATER POLO SWEEPS THE COMETS AT PALOMAR!

The Griffins Water Polo Team had an outstanding day in the pool at Palomar this past Wednesday, September 12th.  The Men's team completely dominated the overmatched Comets with an early season 23-8 victory, while the women stole the show with an upset come from behind thrilling 7-6 win.  The road victories are tremendous for both squads as it means they are beginning Conference play in first place with the remaining and final showdown with Palomar College taking place October 10th at home.  The Griffins have a lot of work to do until the Comets visit again (matches with San Diego Mesa, Miramar College, and Southwestern) are still ahead.  However, this PCAC game 1 contest puts both squads in the driver's seat!  Associate Dean of Athletics, Thomas Armstrong who was in attendance commented "Reny saved the game at goal.  She was at her best with the game on the line in the 4th."  Reny Carr is a sophomore from West Hills, High School and she finished the contest only allowing 6 goals on 17 Palomar attempts.  Another sophomore from West Hills, High School Cami Raley led the Griffins with 3 goals, including the game winner with less than 30 seconds left to go in the match.  An excited Raley commented that "I'm really happy, we played so much better than our opening weekend, and I think we are really improving."

The Men's game was not as close, nor did it have the tension and drama that the women were able to experience.  The Griffins overwhelmed the Comets by coming out of the gates with 4 extremely quick goals in just the first minute of the contest.  "There is something very special happening with our men's team, we are honestly extremely talented and the depth of our talent is incredible." reflects Associate Dean of Athletics, Thomas Armstrong.  The Griffins are deep and it showed clearly in this contest with 10 different men scoring goals.  At 6'1 and 220lbs; freshman Garrett Durado from Poway lead in goals scored with 5.  Coach Ty Lackey used a "ice hockey line change" approach as he was able to rest players through-out the contest and continually run (or swim) the Comets up and down the pool.  Freshmen Anson Rassmussen from Santee was outstanding contributing 2 goals, 3 assists, and 4 steals.  "Anson plays big, he is long and gets to balls that other players cannot, I thought he really stood out, there is a great deal of focus on our athletic ability and depth, but defense is often over-looked and Anson is crazy good on defense!" comments Armstrong.  Sophomore Cole Duffett scored 3 goals and Brock Kammerer tossed in 4 himself.  Head Coach Ty Lackey is building a championship caliber squad, playing all of his weapons, and looking for continued growth.  "We are playing every body and looking to see how we best mesh as a squad, we are only getting better." comments Ty Lackey.