The California Baptist University men’s water polo team has started its season receiving a No. 7 ranking from the Collegiate Water Polo Association.
According to the CBU Athletics website, “California Baptist University men’s water polo built on its best-ever preseason ranking by securing the best ranking in program history.”
The CBU men’s water polo team was ecstatic about the rankings, with coaches and players excited about the rank that their team received.
“I’m very pumped to be ranked as high as we are, the team competes hard every day and we deserve it,” said Zachary Lowery, senior engineering major and captain of the CBU men’s water polo team.
“It’s exciting that we’re in there (in the top 10.) It shows the work that the guys have done to be ranked that highly,” added Kevin Rosa, head coach of the men’s water polo team.
After the news broke about the CWPA rankings, the CBU men’s water polo team went on to dominate some of its ranked opponents.
CBU split its series of games against No.6-ranked Loyola Marymount University. After losing the first game of the series, CBU came back with two consecuitve wins and lost the final game against LMU.
“LMU is a strong team and good competition. It will be a battle with them until the end of the season,” said Lowery. “I’m very excited we get this opportunity to play and represent CBU weekly.”
Rosa said he believed his team played well despite the loss.
“We played really well, it looked like a mid-season level defense out there,” said Rosa.
The CBU men’s water polo team has worked hard to maintain its top-10 ranking.
The team has picked up wins against ranked opponents such as the Air Force Academy and other Western Water Polo Association conference opponents such as Fresno Pacific University.
The team has also battled against high-ranked opponents like No. 5-ranked Pepperdine.
Due to the ongoing effects of the coronavirus pandemic, the men’s water polo team has had to adapt to safety restrictions and schedule changes.
According to the CBU Athletics website, while the team was away at the Air Force Academy, one of their scheduled opponents pulled out of a game, causing the Lancers to play the third game against the Air Force Academy.
“It’s a day-by-day process. To look too far into the future can sometimes be daunting. We’re focusing on the here and now because we know we can’t control the future,” Rosa said.
The team will continue competing with games against Air Force and Pepperdine in the coming weeks.
