Depleted Roster Can't Hold Early Pressure on No. 1 USC

Oct. 13, 2012

Final Stats

LOS ANGELES - With four starters out due to injury, ninth-ranked LMU men's water polo battled the unbeaten and top-ranked USC Trojans, but couldn't hold an early lead, falling 13-6 at the Burns Aquatics Center on Saturday afternoon.

The Lions roster was reduced by seven players, giving them seven starters and just five reserves, only three having played at least half of this season's games. However, the Lions' defense was impressive early and held the Trojans scoreless in the first quarter in taking a 1-0 lead after one thanks to Peter Olson's goal.

Senior Kyle Testman led the Lions defense with 11 saves.

However, the Trojans depth took over and outscored the Lions 11-2 in the middle quarters, taking a 5-1 lead at the half and 11-3 heading into the final quarter.

The Lions added three goals in the fourth, including goals by Milutin Mitrovic, his second of the game, Collin Walters and Emanuel Di Stasio.

The teams combined for 21 exclusion as USC scored back-to-back 6-on-5 goals to take the lead for good early.

The Lions are back home in a week, hosting rival and 11th-ranked UC San Diego on Saturday, Oct. 20 at 12 noon. It is another TeamLMU game at the Burns Aquatics Center.

- GO LIONS -