Sept. 22, 2007

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. - Senior Joseph Smith scored two goals in each of UC Davis' wins over Claremont-Mudd-Scripps and Whittier College during the first day of action at the UC Santa Cruz Slugfest men's water polo tournament Saturday. The Aggies beat Claremont-Mudd-Scripps by an 11-3 decision in their opener, then dispatched Whittier in a 13-3 final in the afternoon game.

Ninth-ranked UC Davis improves to 8-4 overall and remains unbeaten in seven contests against Western Water Polo Association members.

Senior Nick Arrigo scored the Aggies' lone hat trick for the day, hitting three goals in the victory over CMS. Smith and junior Paul Wilson each added two goals in that game. Senior Mike McGee recorded eight saves during the first half of play, then freshman Erik Quinn tallied six saves in the final 16 minutes for his collegiate debut.

Smith and freshmen Matt Richardson and Cory Lyle each scored two goals to lead UC Davis past Whittier. McGee and Quinn again split goaltending duties, posting saves totals of six and seven saves, respectively.

In addition to Quinn's 13-save performance, Saturday's tournament action saw freshmen Jake Norton, Mattie Stone and Carlos Martinez record their first collegiate goals.

The UCSC Slugfest continues through Sunday. The Aggies take on 19th-ranked Redlands in a 7:30 game then conclude their tournament action against La Verne in a 1:20 p.m. tilt.

GOALS - CMS: not available. UC Davis: Nick Arrigo 3, Joseph Smith 2, Paul Wilson 2, Grant Muenter 1, Walter Eggert 1, Philippe Chordas 1, Jake Norton 1.

GOALIE SAVES - CMS: not available. UC Davis: Mike McGee 8 (16:00), Erik Quinn 6 (16:00).

GOALS - WC: not available. UC Davis: Matt Richardson 2, Joseph Smith 2, Cory Lyle 2, Grant Muenter 1, Walter Eggert 1, Paul Wilson 1, Aaron Salit 1, Carlos Martinez 1, Mattie Stone 1, Alex Dewar 1.

GOALIE SAVES - WC: not available. UC Davis: Mike McGee 6 (16:00), Erik Quinn 7 (16:00).