Oct. 10, 2009

IRVINE, Calif. -- The fifth-ranked LMU men's water polo team ran their winning streak against Western Water Polo Association foes to 24 thanks to a 10-6 win over No. 11 UC San Diego in the first round of the UC Irvine Invitational on Saturday afternoon. The win continues the Lions best start in school history at 11-2 overall and 7-0 against the WWPA.

Junior Andrew Aki scored three goals to lead the Lions to their third win over their rivals, UCSD, this season and ninth in a row. The Lions have not lost a WWPA game since Oct. 26, 2007.

The Lions led 5-2 at the break and then scored three straight to start the second half to increase the advantage to 8-2. Tibor Forai and Derek Milligan added two goals each while Andy Stevens had 10 saves, his ninth double digit save game of the season.

With the win, the Lions will face No. 4 Cal in Game #12 at 5:20 p.m. The Bears defeated Pacific 14-6 in their early game.

Loyola Marymount 10, UC San Diego 6
UC San Diego --- 1 - 1 - 1 - 3 --- 6
Loyola Marymount --- 3 - 2 - 3 - 2 --- 10
Scoring - UCSD: Ryan Allred 3, Lance Curtiss 2, Bryce Madsen; LMU: Andrew Aki 3, Tibor Forai 2, Derek Milligan 2, Edgaras Asajavicius, Max Schlegel, Brian Benedetti.
Saves: David Morton (UCSD) 10; Andy Stevens (LMU) 10, Gavyn Wild (LMU) 1.