If the Cerritos College men's water polo team learned anything from their early season trip back east to take on four-year schools, it's the ability to handle pressure. The Falcons scored three straight goals to take a late lead against visiting Mt. San Antonio College and posted an 8-7 South Coast Conference win on Wednesday. The team will now compete in the San Diego Mesa Tournament this weekend.

Trailing 6-5 midway through the third period, sophomore Andrew Javier (Cerritos HS) knotted the game with a goal before sophomore Max Gomez (La Serna HS) gave the team a 7-6 lead with 5:59 left in the fourth period. With 1:11 remaining, sophomore Jesus Munoz (Montebello HS/College of Notre Dame (OH)) added an insurance goal for an 8-6 advantage. The Mounties (5-10, 1-1) received a goal from Daniel Martinez with :21 seconds left, but the Falcons (5-4, 2-0) were able to run out the clock and secure the victory.

Sophomore Pedro Rodriguez (Downey HS) was able to turn away nine shots and post three steals to help secure the win, while Munoz, sophomore Alberto Gonzalez (Montebello HS/Mt. San Antonio) and freshman Felix Gonzalez (Montebello HS) all scored twice in the win. Javier also finished with four steals on defense, with Gomez dishing off four assists.

Photos by Daryl Peterson