Air Force Splits Games Saturday In Day Two of Rare Air Challenge

USAF ACADEMY, Colo. - Air Force men's water polo (5-6) split its two games Saturday in day two action at the Rare Air Challenge at the Cadet Natatorium. The Falcons dropped the first game to #14 Harvard, 13-12, but rallied to defeat Biola, 14-9, in the nightcap.

The Harvard game was close throughout, as the teams were within one goal of each other all game until the Crimson pulled away late. After Air Force tied it up 9-9 with 6:54 to play, Harvard scored three straight goals to take control.

The Falcons got to within one with 2:27 to play, but the Crimson scored with 1:29 to play to go back up two. Air Force got a score with three seconds to play, but could not pull off the rally.

Three Falcons had three points in the game. Jack Richards and Tom Leggett each had two goals and one assist. Jonah Vander Veen had one goal and two assists. Luca Smith had seven saves in goal.

Against Biola, the Falcons took control early and held off the Eagles. Air Force took a 4-2 lead after the first quarter and tacked on five more goals in the second to lead 9-5 at the half. After the Falcons went up five, Biola rallied with consecutive goals to make it 11-8 after three quarters of play. Air force out-scored the Eagles 3-1 in the fourth quarter to pull away.

Leggett led the Falcons with five goals. Richards notched a hat-trick with three goals. Jacob Yi added two goals and an assist. Smith picked up the win in goal with eight saves.

Air Force caps the tournament Sunday with three games. The Falcons take on Cal Lutheran, Augustana and Iona.

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