Air Force Academy

Oct. 3, 2008

CLAREMONT, Calif. - Led by six goals from sophomore Bobby Geiger (Buellton, Calif.), the 20th-ranked Air Force water polo team went 2-0 on the opening day of the Claremont Convergence Tournament, hosted by Claremont, La Verne and Pomona. The Falcons, playing Friday's games at Pomona's Haldeman Pool, defefated George Washington, 12-5, before winning an 8-6 conference match-up with host Pomona. With the victories, Air Force improves to 7-8 overall and 6-2 in the Western Water Polo Association.

Air Force dominated its game against George Washington from the outset, grabbing a 5-1 advantage after one period. Up 6-1 at the half, the Falcons increased their lead to 10-2 at the end of the third period. Although the Colonials, who received votes in the latest coaches poll, had a slight edge in the final quarter, they were unable to overcome Air Force's huge margin.

Geiger was the Falcons' leading scorer with three goals against George Washington, while senior Tyler Hewko (Laguna Hills, Calif.) added two scores. Seven other Falcons found the net in the contest, including freshman Anson Harvey (Thousand Oaks, Calif.) with his first career goal. Meanwhile, junior goalkeeper David Ostrom (Mission Viejo, Calif.) tallied four saves with just two goals against in three periods of action.

In its second game of the day, Air Force took on host Pomona. The Falcons, facing the Sagehens for the second time this season, were matched up evenly in the opening period, with the score tied at 2-2. Air Force then scored four goals in the second quarter to take a 6-4 advantage at the half. However, Pomona came back within one point, outscoring the Falcons 1-0 in the third period. Still, the Sagehens were unable to avenge their earlier season loss, as Air Force grabbed the 8-6 victory.

Geiger once again scored three goals to lead the Falcons, while Jack Hines (Jr., Riverside, Calif.) added two scores. Also getting on the board for Air Force were Kevin Williams (Sr., River Forest, Ill.), Alex Churnside (Jr., Orange, Calif.) and Hewko with one goal each.

No. 20 Air Force 12, George Washington 5
GWU 1 0 1 3 5
Air Force 5 1 4 2 12
GWU Scoring: N/A
AF Scoring: Geiger 3, Hewko 2, Williams, Hines, Churnside, Lemmen, Brewer, Ford, Harvey

No. 20 Air Force 8, Pomona-Pitzer 6
Air Force 2 4 0 2 8
Pomona 2 2 1 1 6
AF Scoring: Geiger 3, Hines 2, Williams, Churnside, Hewko
Pomona Scoring: N/A