Air Force Sweeps Competition Sunday At Rare Air Challenge

USAF ACADEMY, Colo. - Air Force men's water polo (13-4) won both of its games in day three action at the Rare Air Challenge, held Sunday at the USAFA Cadet Natatorium. The Falcons defeated La Verne 20-13 and Chapman 19-14 in the afternoon.

Air Force tied a season-high for goals in the 20-13 win over LaVerne. Air Force blitzed La Verne early, scoring the first six goals of the match in less that four minutes and building up an 8-0 lead after the first quarter. The Air Force defense was on its game, not allowing a La Verne goal until the 5:26 mark in the second quarter. The Falcons had 11 different players notch a goal, led by Jake Dixon, who scored five goals and finished with seven points. Bruce Kim and Grant Snyder had hat tricks with Kim scoring five points and Snyder four. Luca Smith had the win in goal for the Falcons. Luke Hughes also had seven saves and Joe Sabo notched two saves.

Air Force capped a 5-1 run at the Rare Air Challenge with the 19-14 win over Chapman. The Falcons scored six goals in the first and second quarters to lead 12-6 at the half. That allowed the Falcons to utilize its reserves as 11 players scored goals again. Colin Chase recorded a hat trick and six players also scored two goals each. Smith had six saves in goal for the win.

"It was a long weekend with a lot of games played," head coach Ryan Brown said. "It was good to get a good look at everyone on the team in game situations, especially the younger players at game-speed. The whole weekend was fantastic. Our guys battled every game."

Air Force returns to action next weekend, hosting the Rare Air Invite, which runs Sat.-Sun., Sept. 24-25. The Falcons open Saturday with a WWPA game against Biola, followed by a game against Long Island.

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