News Summary
Orange Coast College men’s water polo team achieved a 15-7 victory against Saddleback College at the OCC Aquatics Pavilion. The Pirates showcased their skill and determination, keeping their conference record unblemished at 3-0. Key performances came from Cade Zeilinger, Jack McCann, and Ben Hecht, who contributed significantly to the score. The team’s second-half surge was pivotal, demonstrating excellent teamwork and conditioning, reinforcing their reputation in the conference. Head coach Dan Matulis praised the players’ focus and energy under pressure, leading to a commanding win.
Orange Coast College Men’s Water Polo Dominates Saddleback College in 15-7 Victory
Orange Coast College (OCC) secured a decisive victory against Saddleback College on October 8, 2025, with a final score of 15-7 at the OCC Aquatics Pavilion. This win keeps the Pirates undefeated in their conference play, boasting a record of 3-0.
The match opened with a strong performance by OCC sophomore attacker Cade Zeilinger, who scored the first goal. The teams engaged in a competitive exchange during the initial periods, with OCC initially leading 4-2 by the end of the second quarter. Saddleback’s Morgan Lee played a crucial role in tying the game at 4-4 by netting two quick goals.
After Saddleback’s momentary surge, OCC regained their momentum when freshman attacker Jack McCann scored at 3:08 in the second period, giving the Pirates a 5-4 lead. Soon after, sophomore center Harrison Cook increased the gap with a goal at 1:17 in the second quarter, bringing the score to 6-4. The half concluded positively for OCC as Ben Hecht added another goal, resulting in a halftime score of 7-4 in favor of the Pirates.
Following the break, OCC’s performance intensified as the third period began with a flurry of goals. Hecht, Stan Schuring, and Otis McAdams each contributed goals, extending OCC’s lead to 10-4. Although Saddleback attempted to mount a comeback, scoring two additional goals from Michael Adams and Jayden Rose, it was not enough to close the gap.
In the final quarter, OCC dominated the scoreboard, finishing with four unanswered goals. This final push included contributions from Hecht, Schuring, and two more goals from Zeilinger, solidifying the victory at 15-7.
Team Highlights and Performance
Cade Zeilinger’s overall performance was impressive, as he finished the game with three goals, including two in the pivotal fourth period. The team’s strong second-half performance was marked by excellent conditioning and teamwork, which head coach Dan Matulis credited as crucial to their success.
Freshman goalkeeper Gage Fojtasek also highlighted the boost in team morale following halftime as a significant factor in their dominant second-half performance. The Pirates’ ability to maintain energy and focus under pressure was evident as they executed a strategic game plan that led to their commanding victory.
Background on OCC Men’s Water Polo
The Orange Coast College men’s water polo team has built a strong reputation for excellence within the conference. Under the guidance of experienced coaching staff, the players have demonstrated commitment and skill throughout their season. The win against Saddleback College showcases the team’s potential and resilience as they continue to compete in their conference and strive for further achievements in upcoming matches.
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Additional Resources
- Coast Report Online: OCC Men’s Water Polo Dominates Saddleback College
- LA Times: USA Water Polo Announces Free Legacy Crown Event
- Coast Report Online: Orange Coast College Sports Update
- OC Register: Newport Harbor Girls Water Polo Update
- Wikipedia: Water Polo
