Chargers Men’s Water Polo Wins the Cypress Tournament On Their Home Turf

CYPRESS, CA - The Cypress Chargers men's water polo team hosted the Cypress Tournament with a number of other schools participating. The schools included Rio Hondo, El Camino, California Technical University, Ventura, Chaffey, San Diego Mesa, and Cerritos. Cypress would go on to win the entire tournament by defeating Ventura in the final game, 16-9.

Game 1 - Cypress vs Rio Hondo (W, 24-1)

The Cypress College men's water polo team put on a commanding performance on Friday afternoon, defeating Rio Hondo 24-1 in a non-conference matchup at home. The Chargers started hot with an 8-0 first period and never looked back, showcasing an aggressive offense and a suffocating defense.

Cypress wasted no time getting on the board, with Mathew Arauz striking first before adding a steal to spark the early run. Kai Banua connected with Wes Brazda for a quick goal, while James Luther converted on a penalty shot to extend the lead. The Chargers' ball movement was on full display, as Arauz, Nathan Burgos, Brazda, and Cooper Chapman linked together a crisp passing sequence that ended in a Chapman goal.

The momentum carried into the second period with Luther scoring another penalty shot and Brazda finding Phearson Rosenlof for a goal. Strong defense and quick transitions fueled the attack, highlighted by goalkeeper Zackary Populus, who not only made key saves but also set up fast-break opportunities with outlet passes. Chapman continued his scoring streak, while Noah Luis Brummitt Rodriguez, Branden Kim, and Sean Liam Tannehill added to the tally. Cypress went into halftime with a commanding 19-1 advantage.

In the third period, the Chargers maintained control while giving their bench valuable minutes. Goalkeeper Aiden Xavier stepped in and made multiple saves, while Kim added two more goals to seal the win. With the game in hand, Cypress slowed the pace but closed strong, finishing with a 24-1 victory.

Game 2 - Cypress vs California Technical University (W, 16-6)

The Cypress College men's water polo team put together a commanding performance on Friday evening, defeating California Technical University, 16-6, at home. The Chargers' defensive intensity and explosive offensive chemistry proved too much for the Beavers, as Cypress closed the game on an incredible 8-0 run.

The Chargers came out strong in the opening quarter with early goals from Wes Brazda and James Luther on penalty shots. Phearson Rosenlof capped the period with a bounce-shot goal off a cross-pool pass from Cooper Chapman, giving Cypress a 4-1 lead before Cal Tech clawed back to make it 4-3 at the end of the first.

In the second period, the Chargers' defense took control. Zackary Populus came up with clutch saves in goal, while Brazda and Mathew Arauz pressured Cal Tech into turnovers. Cypress capitalized on a man-up opportunity when Rosenlof fired home another goal, followed by strikes from Victor Abella to push the halftime lead to 8-4.

The third quarter saw both teams locked in a defensive battle, but Cypress broke through midway when Luke Edmundson and Chapman combined for back-to-back scores. Populus continued his stellar play in the cage, shutting down Cal Tech chances as the Chargers carried a 10-6 lead into the final frame.

The fourth quarter was all Chargers. Cypress unleashed an offensive attack with goals from Luther, Brazda, Abella, Rosenlof, Aiden Sarreal, Noah Luis Brummit Rodriguez, Jackton Hetrick, and Nathan Burgos, stunning the Beavers with eight unanswered scores. The energy from the bench fueled Cypress to finish the game strong, with Populus making one last highlight save to seal the victory.

Cypress improves to 2-0 behind a complete team effort that showcased improved chemistry and confidence in the pool.

Game 3 - Cypress vs San Diego Mesa (W, 16-15)

In one of the most thrilling contests of the tournament, the Cypress College men's water polo team battled through six periods of action to defeat San Diego Mesa, 16-15, in double overtime. The Chargers showcased relentless defense, clutch scoring, and team chemistry that kept fans engaged from start to finish.

The game opened with Cypress's Wes Brazda setting the tone, scoring the first penalty shot and later adding another goal in the opening frame. Despite San Diego Mesa's offensive push, key defensive stops from Victor Abella and Zackary Populus kept the Chargers within striking distance, ending the first period tied 2-2.

Cypress took control in the second period with back-to-back goals from Jackton Hetrick and Phearson Rosenlof, both assisted by sharp passing from Nathan Burgos and James Luther. Brazda continued to find the back of the net, while Sean Liam Tannehill electrified the crowd with a spinning backward shot to give Cypress momentum. Late goals from Mathew Arauz and Luke Edmundson pushed the Chargers ahead 8-5 at halftime.

The third period saw the Chargers extend their lead to 11-5 after goals from Luther and Burgos, highlighted by Luther's powerful shot that lodged itself into the back right corner of the net. San Diego Mesa mounted a comeback, closing the gap to 11-9 heading into the fourth.

In a nail-biting final quarter, Abella's defensive strip and Luther's clutch scoring helped Cypress hold on to a narrow lead. With just seconds remaining, Brazda deflected a key shot and Populus delivered a crucial save to send the game into overtime tied at 13.

Overtime was a test of grit and composure. Brazda immediately put Cypress ahead in the fifth period, followed by a Luther strike off an Arauz assist. Arauz's tenacious defense in the closing seconds kept the Chargers on top, 15-14, entering the final frame.

In the sixth period, Abella delivered the go-ahead goal for Cypress, while Populus and Luther sealed the defensive end with critical saves and blocks. The Chargers held strong in the closing moments, securing a dramatic 16-15 victory.

Game 4 - Cypress vs Ventura (W, 16-9)

The Cypress College men's water polo team delivered an electrifying comeback performance to defeat Ventura 16-9 and secure first place at the Cypress College Invitational.

Ventura struck early, putting the Chargers in a 6-2 hole after the opening period despite goals from Victor Abella and Wes Brazda. Despite this, Cypress regrouped in the second quarter, storming back with a balanced attack. Phearson Rosenlof, Mathew Arauz, Jackton Hetrick, and Cooper Chapman each found the back of the net to erase the deficit. Goals from Brazda and James Luther gave the Chargers their first lead before halftime, with the score locked at 8 apiece.

The third period was all Cypress. Brazda fired up his bench with a go-ahead goal, and goalie Zackary Populus fueled the momentum with a string of key saves and outlet passes. Populus connected twice with Arauz for goals in transition, while Sean Liam Tannehill added a highlight tap-in that pushed the lead to 11-8. Cypress closed the quarter up 12-9 after an 11-3 run.

The Chargers didn't let up in the fourth. Abella set up Brazda for another score, Luther added his second of the game, and Populus continued to anchor the defense with clutch stops. Brazda put on a show down the stretch, burying a penalty shot and weaving through two defenders for his sixth goal of the match. Cypress outscored Ventura 4-0 in the final frame to seal the 16-9 victory.

Brazda led the way with six goals, while Arauz, Luther, and Abella each had standout performances. Populus was a force in the cage, piling up saves and turning defense into offense.

With the win, Cypress not only topped Ventura but also claimed first place in their own Invitational.

UP NEXT: The Chargers host another match on Wednesday, September 10th against Crafton Hills

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