Sept. 12, 2009
LA VERNE, Calif. - Redshirt freshman center Jared Clapham scored four goals in UC Davis' 15-5 morning win against La Verne, then junior lefty Matt Richardson posted four assists and three steals in his team's 8-4 afternoon victory over Pomona-Pitzer, completing the Aggies first-day sweep at the Empire Classic, hosted jointly by ULV and Redlands Saturday.
The Aggies, ranked 17th nationally, improve to 2-1 for the season and 2-0 against members of the Western Water Polo Association.
"With every game comes experience, and with every success comes confidence. We got a little of both today," said UC Davis head coach Steve Doten. "There is no substitute for experience, so it was a good day."
Clapham's offensive output in Saturday's opener led a total of 10 Aggie scorers. Jim Breen and Matt Vowell each added two goals, while Richardson, Dave Cooper, Ryan Hagens, Cory Lyle, Kevin Driscoll and Colin Hicks each chipped in one. Junior Erik Quinn manned the UC Davis cage, recording three saves.
The Aggies scored 11 straight to start the game against the Leopards, leading 7-0 at the halftime break. The afternoon contest proved more competitive, as the Sagehens trailed by just a 5-3 margin at the halftime break. According to Doten, UC Davis' transition game kept the score close against PP, with the Aggies missing several chances to score counterattack goals.
In the nightcap win over Pomona-Pitzer, Lyle and Martinez each turned in a pair of goals while Hagens, Hicks, Richardson and senior Brendan Sigourney had one. Sophomore Kevin Peat posted nine saves in front of the Aggie net.
UC Davis continues play at the Empire Classic against co-host Redlands and Claremont-Mudd-Scripps on Sunday. The Bulldogs and Stags are ranked No. 2 and No. 5, respectively, on the national Division III poll. Redlands also received votes for the overall coaches' poll.
| #17 UC Davis (1-1) | 4 | 3 | 5 | 3 | - | 15 |
| La Verne | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3 | - | 5 |
GOALS - UC Davis: Jared Clapham 4, Jim Breen 2, Matt Vowell 2, Dave Cooper 1, Ryan Hagens 1, Cory Lyle 1, Matt Richardson 1, Carlos Martinez 1, Kevin Driscoll 1, Colin Hicks 1. ULV: not available.
GOALIE SAVES - UC Davis: Erik Quinn 3. ULV: not available.
| #17 UC Davis (2-1) | 5 | 0 | 2 | 1 | - | 8 |
| Pomona-Pitzer | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1 | - | 4 |
GOALS - UC Davis: Cory Lyle 2, Carlos Martinez 2, Ryan Hagens 1, Brendan Sigourney 1, Matt Richardson 1, Colin Hicks 1. PP: not available.
GOALIE SAVES - UC Davis: Kevin Peat 9. PP: not available.
