Cats rally in opener

The Saddleback men's water polo team advanced to the winner's bracket of the Saddleback Invitational with a 17-16 win over Southwestern College on Friday morning at the Saddleback Aquatics Center.  The Bobcats will play Palomar College this afternoon.

Saddleback was slow out of the gate, allowing Southwestern to take a 6-3 lead with time running down in the opening quarter.  The Bobcats cut the lead to one at 6-5 after Jayden Rose scored to close out the opening quarter and Michael Adams opened the scoring in the second quarter.

Southwestern again gained control, stretching the lead to four after Sebastian Cadena scored back-to-back goals to make in 10-6 with 4:39 remaining in the half.  The Jaguars would have a 13-10 lead late in the third quarter when Saddleback finally found its stride.  The Bobcats tallied three straight goals to end the quarter, drawing even at 13-13 with eight minutes remaining in regulation.

Saddleback then scored three straight goals to start the fourth quarter to grab control when Jayden Rose (pictured), Morgan Lee and Henry Moore scored for a 16-13 advantage.  Southwestern closed to within one goal in the final minute before Saddleback clamped down on defense to hang on for the win.

Ari Sello started in goal and Septime de Bonnafos played the final two quarters to pick up the win. 

Saddleback is now even .500 at 5-5 on the season.  The Bobcats will play Palomar College this afternoon at 1:15 PM in the winner's bracket.