IRVINE, Calif. — No. 16 LMU (2-0) secured both wins in their season-opening doubleheader Friday, August 28th. The Lions won a hard-fought battle in game one, beating Pomona-Pitzer 14-9 at the Anteater Aquatics Complex. The Lions capitalized on a strong first half, scoring 10 goals while limiting Pomona-Pitzer to six. In the second game, the Lions cruised to a decisive 15-5 victory over Cal State Fullerton. The Lions' scoring was bolstered by three penalty-shot goals and three power-play goals.
Pomona-Pitzer
Soren Martin opened the scoring a minute into the game, followed by goals from Josiah Yeager and Alex Sharp to take a 3-0 lead. Pomona-Pitzer responded with two consecutive goals by Miles Chiang. Loyola Marymount regained momentum with Nico Furneaux scoring twice, including a goal at the end of the first period to go ahead 5-2. Pomona-Pitzer stayed competitive, with Zach Whitfield and Jaden Winters scoring early in the second period, but the Lions extended their lead with a 4-2 run, closing the first half 10-6. In the second half, the Lions maintained control, with Luka Dimic and Bence Barics adding goals, securing a 14-9 victory despite Pomona-Pitzer's efforts to close the gap.
Nico Furneaux led the scoring with three goals on three attempts. Bence Barics contributed significantly with two goals and one assist, while also drawing two exclusions. Mateo Obando added to the offense with one goal and one assist from his single shot. In the net, Adrian Ramirez made an impact with seven saves, bolstering the team's defensive efforts.
Cal State Fullerton
The Titans jumped out to an early lead, with Ethan MacLeod opening the scoring for Fullerton at 7:14 in the first quarter. LMU bounced back immediately to go up 2-1, a lead they wouldn't lose for the remainder of the game. Bence Barics' first at 6:36 and Roman Saroyan's penalty shot at 1:33 helped LMU take a 4-2 lead into the break. Cal State Fullerton narrowed the gap to 5-4 midway through the second period with a goal from Denes Dobi at 6:22. The Lions then pulled away, securing five unanswered goals across the third and fourth quarters, with Ian Moore netting twice. LMU outshot Cal State Fullerton 29-22 and completed the game with a 15-5 victory.
Ian Moore led the performance with three goals on three attempts. Bence Barics contributed effectively by scoring two goals on two shots. Nico Furneaux also added two goals while drawing one exclusion. Josiah Yeager provided a balanced effort, recording one goal and two assists. Adrian Ramirez was crucial in goal, amassing 13 saves, including a penalty shot, and one steal. In the second half, Travers Clark came in and kept up the great goalkeeping performance to maintain the Lions' lead.
LMU holds an overall record of 2-0 and is ranked No. 16 nationally. LMU will compete against Concordia University Irvine and George Washington University in another doubleheader on Saturday, Aug. 29. These neutral site matchups are set to begin at 11:40 a.m. and 3:40 p.m. in Irvine, California.
