Freshman Garret Smerdon made five of the goals in Mesa College men’s water polo team’s 11-4 victory against Southwestern College on Oct. 5.

This was the team’s second game against Southwestern. Their first match up also came out victorious on Sept. 7 with a final score of 19-16.

Smerdon didn’t begin his attack on Southwestern until after the second period.

In the fourth period he made three goals in a row. He scored five of the 11 goals in the game, but he doesn’t take all the credit.

“I am very satisfied with the way I play, but I do give thanks to my right hand man J-Monk [Jullian Monk],” commented Smerdon.

So far this season Smerdon has 74 goals in conference matches and tournaments. He also has 26 assists and 16 steals.

Head coach Nathan Resch commented on the low scoring game by saying it was the team’s “focus on defense” resulting in fewer goals overall.

The game began with an off the goal post score by team captain Michael Kennedy within the first minutes of the game. A penalty foul shot was also given to Kari Gonter, which made the score 2 to 0 Mesa.

Goalie Rafael Bedolla is leading the state in saves. In this particular game he had 16 saves, preventing Southwestern from getting many goals.

Kennedy was very proud of the way his team played against Southwestern. “We really stuck it to them,” commented Kennedy.

The rain played no effect on the players in the water, but the players out of the water were cold.
“Some guys prefer the unique conditions,” said Resch.

Even though they beat Southwestern, who Mesa is currently tied with in conference, they have a tough match up against Grossmont on Oct. 11.