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

USAF ACADEMY, Colo. - Air Force men's water polo split a pair of games in day two action as the host of the 2025 Rare Air Challenge on Saturday at the Cadet Natatorium. The Falcons defeated Salem, 22-15, and fell to #3 Cal, 25-10, to run its record to 3-1 on the season.

In the opener against Salem, Air Force posted its second-straight game over 20 goals. After playing to a 5-5 tie after one quarter of play, the Falcons out-scored Salem 7-5 in the second quarter to go up 12-10. The Falcons took control of the match with a 6-2 scoring advantage in the third quarter to go up 18-12. Four goals were scored in the fourth.

Junior Tom Leggett tied his career high with 10 goals, reaching that number for the second-consecutive game. Sophomore Dante Nocetti notched a hat trick with three goals and an assist. Junior Jonah Vander Veen added five points with four assists and a goal. Senior Colin Chase scored two goals and freshman Blake Fuschslin had three points with a goal and two assists.

Senior Luca Smith had nine saves and four steals in goal for the win. Sophomore Jay Pyle had one save in reserve.

In the nightcap, Cal scored the first nine goals of the match and rolled to the win. The Bears led 9-1 after the first quarter of play. The Falcons scored three goals each in the final three quarters, but were unable to pull any closer.

Leggett notched a hat trick with three goals and Nocetti added two scores to lead the Falcons. Air Force also had goals from Jack Richards, Brady Kopperud, Jonah Vander Veen, Owen Imasaki and Matt Oravetz. It was the first-career goal for Oravetz.

Smith had four saves in goal in the start. Pyle came in for Smith and notched two saves.

Air Force caps play at the Rare Air Challenge tomorrow with games against Biola and Ottawa-Arizona.

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