For the second time in three seasons, the Cerritos College men's water polo team opened their season on the other side of the country, as they played in the Navy Open in Annapolis, MD. The Falcons played six games over the course of three days and earned a pair of wins over four-year universities. They will jump right into South Coast Conference play a week from Wednesday when they host Chaffey College at 4:15 p.m. at the Falcon Aquatic Center.

Cerritos vs. Northern Virginia Club Team: Taking on a team comprised of former players from George Washington University and Princeton University, the Falcons dropped a 14-7 decision. The team fell behind early and spent most of the game working on their offensive structure. By the end of the game, the duo of sophomore Michael Hanna (Cerritos HS) and freshman Felix Gonzalez (Montebello HS) had each scored a pair of goals. Sophomore Pedro Rodriguez (Downey HS) spent the first half in goal and made three saves, while sophomore Joseph Owens (Kennedy HS) posted a pair of second half saves.

Cerritos vs. Gannon (PA) University: With time running out in the fourth quarter, freshman Kevin Rubio (La Serna HS) scored with :02 seconds left to help the Falcons post a thrilling 13-12 win. Rodriguez made a huge save in goal, and then started the fast break with an outlet pass that Rubio (five goals) converted into the winning goal. Hanna and sophomore Alberto Gonzalez (Montebello HS/Mt. San Antonio College) each added a pair of goals, with sophomore Andrew Javier (Cerritos HS) posting four steals. Sophomore Jesus Munoz (Montebello HS/Notre Dame, OH College) finished with four assists in the win, with Rodriguez (six saves) and freshman Grant Jimenez (Cerritos HS), who had eight saves, each played key roles in the win.

Cerritos vs. Salem International (OR) University): Cerritos made it two wins in a row on their second day at the tournament, with a 19-8 victory. It was a balanced offensive effort, with 11 different players scoring at least one goal, while Felix Gonzalez and sophomore Fernando Lua (Gahr HS) led the way with three each. Javier got things going on offense with his seven steals, with Munoz and sophomore Max Gomez (Whittier HS) both dishing out three assists. Jimenez turned away 12 shots in goal, with Owens posting seven saves and two steals.

Cerritos vs. Penn State-Behrend University: In their first of three games on the final day, the Falcons dropped a close 7-6 decision. Cerritos led, 3-2 at halftime in the close game, but Behrend did not allow a third quarter goal and took a 4-3 lead. The two teams traded three goals in the final quarter. Owens made seven saves in goal, with the Falcons missing 26 shots on offense. Munoz (four steals) and Rubio each scored twice, with Javier also accounting for four steals.

Cerritos vs. Mercyhurst (PA) University: Coming right back for a second game, Cerritos found themselves down early and dropped a 20-9 decision. Jimenez, who spend most of the game in goal, finished with seven saves and two steals, while Javier and Felix Gonzalez each had three steals. Rubio led the offense with three goals.

Cerritos vs. Navy: Playing the nationally ranked Midshipmen in their own pool, the Falcons just didn't have enough firepower and suffered a 23-6 loss. Cerritos trailed 6-2 after the first period and 11-3 my halftime. Jimenez played the game in the field and scored two goals, while Gomez assisted on two goals. The Navy defense swarmed on the Falcons, which resulted in 24 turnovers.