Nov. 18, 2006

Claremont, Calif. - Loyola Marymount flexed its defensive muscles and rode the momentum of an early lead as they came out on top of a 6-3 battle with UC Davis at Haldeman Pool to earn the right to play UC San Diego in tomorrow's Western Water Polo Association Championship game. For the fourth straight year, the Aggies will play in the third-place game as they meet up with Santa Clara tomorrow at 1:30 p.m.

With the loss, the Aggies drop to 14-15 overall this season while LMU improves to 18-12. The second-seeded Lions and top-seeded Tritons will meet in the championship game for the second consecutive year.

This marks the third straight year the defending WWPA champion Lions have knocked off the Aggies in the semifinals.

Senior David Welch scored two goals to lead the way for the Aggies. Adam Lindsay was the only other Aggie to find the back of net against the potent Lion defense.

Mike McGee secured the UC Davis net for 12 saves.

"We didn't start out well and they came out on fire," said head coach Steve Doten. "You're not going to score a lot of goals against a good defensive team like LMU and to spot them a lead just creates an up hill battle all game."

The Aggies have played Santa Clara twice this season and earned victories in both games by scores of 13-6 in Santa Clara and 10-8 at Schaal Aquatics Center.

"I know we want to come into tomorrow's game and perform well and end the season on a positive note," said Doten. "To finish third is still an improvement on where we've been the past few years."

Tomorrow's game marks the final collegiate contest for Aggie seniors Welch, Trevor Long, Erik Acevedo, Josh McNeely and Kevin Bacharach.

UC Davis 0 2 0 1 - 3
LMU 3 2 1 0 - 6

UC Davis Goals: David Welch 2, Adam Lindsay 1

UC Davis Saves: Mike McGee 12