Air Force Academy

Oct. 24, 2001

U.S.A.F. Academy, Colo. - The Air Force water polo team was off last weekend following a split at the Northern California Water Polo Tournament in Palo Alto, hosted by Stanford. The Falcons fell 13-5 to second-ranked UCLA and were edged, 6-5, by Univ. of the Pacific in their first day of competition. Air Force rebounded the following day, defeating both Santa Clara (10-8) and UC-Davis (4-3).

The Falcons are now 8-6 this season and are preparing to host Cal Baptist, Navy, UC-Davis, and UC-San Diego at the Air Force Water Polo Tournament, October 27-28. Air Force has already faced two of its upcoming opponents earlier this season, with an 8-5 loss against Navy and its 4-3 win over UC- Davis in Palo Alto. The Falcons won all four of their matches at last year's tournament, with two victories over Cal Baptist, 9-6 and 8-7, and UC-Davis, 11-9 and 10-4. C2C (Jr.) Chris Smith and C3C (So.) Scott Butler have been the driving offensive forces for the team this season. With combined goals of 56 for the season, Smith with 26 and Butler with 30, the two returning starters are leading the attack for the Falcons and helping Air Force to secure another appearance at the Western Water Polo Association Championships. Smith and Butler also lead the team in the assist category, Smith with 27 and Butler with 11, followed by C1C (Sr.) David Breitenbach with nine. Defensively, C3C Brandon Shroyer has managed a total of 88 saves in goal.

Air Force began the 2001 season with a split at the UC San Diego Triton Tournament. The Falcons defeated BYU-Hawaii, 14-4, and La Verne, 14-6 in their first day of competition. Air Force lost both games the following afternoon, suffering a bitter 14-2 loss to tournament hosts UCSD and falling 13-6 to Loyola Marymount.

The Falcons were at the UC-Santa Cruz Slugfest Tournament the next weekend. Air Force finished its first day with a 15-3 win over Pomona-Pitzer and a 12-7 win over tournament hosts UCSC. Air Force split in its final day falling to Redlands (11-10) and defeating Santa Clara (7-4). Against Navy, the Falcons fell 8-5 but managed a win later that afternoon against George Washington University and defeated the Colonials, 10-5.

The Air Force Water Polo Tournament begins Saturday, Oct. 27 at 10:15 a.m. when the Falcons take on Cal Baptist. The tournament will be held at the Cadet Gymnasium's Natatorium. Sunday's first game begins at noon when Air Force faces UC-Davis.