The California men’s water polo team, ranked No. 3 nationally, began its 2025 season with two wins at the Rare Air Challenge held at Cadet Natatorium in USAFA, Colorado. The Golden Bears defeated Redlands 21-4 and Air Force 25-10 on Saturday.
Sophomore Patrik Kolak led the team with a total of seven goals, four assists, and one steal across both games. Freshman goalkeeper Aran Pina made his collegiate debut by earning two wins and recording 12 saves, three steals, and one assist during the day.
In the first game against Redlands, freshman Tomas Perrone scored four goals along with an assist and a steal. Kolak was the top scorer with five goals in this match. Newcomers Dominic Brown and Chase Wilson contributed to the offensive effort by combining for nine goals over both games.
Against Air Force, six players—Luke Bachler, Dominic Brown, Brennan Fuchslin, Beso Akhvlediani, Gigo Sarimsakci, and William Kelly—each recorded a hat trick. The Bears scored six goals in the opening three minutes and outscored their opponents 16-1 in the first half. Cal finished with a shooting percentage of .758 (25-for-33) in this contest.
Looking ahead, Cal is scheduled to play Salem at 8:00 am and Mount St. Mary’s at 12:00 pm on Sunday to conclude their participation in the Rare Air Challenge.
“Chase Wilson scored the first two goals of the season for the Bears.
Three freshmen recorded goals in their collegiate debut: Tomas Perrone (4), Beso Akhvlediani (2) and Patrick Stice (1).
Perrone posted a hat trick in the first half.
Patrik Kolak led all scorers with five goals, scoring four of five in the second half.
Dominic Brown and William Kelly added two goals apiece.
Ryder Hagan, Luke Bachler and Bende Pardi each registered a goal.
Pardi and Kolak lead the way with two assists apiece.
Aran Pina earned the win with four saves in 24 minutes of action.
The Bears recorded seven steals in the contest.
12 Bears tallied at least one point, led by Kolak with seven.
Cal drew a total of 17 exclusions.”
“Cal scored six goals in the opening three minutes of the game.
The Bears outscored the Falcons 9-1 in the opening period.
Six Bears recorded a hat trick: Luke Bachler, Dominic Brown, Brennan Fuchslin, Beso Akhvlediani, Gigo Sarimsakci and William Kelly.
The Bears tallied 16 goals in the first half.
Patrick Kolak and Chase Wilson added two goals each.
Maddox Arlett, Alex Oprea and Patrick Stice recorded a goal in the contest.
Aran Pina secured the win with eight saves and a team-high three steals in 24 minutes of action.
The Bears shot at a .758 percentage (25-for-33).”
For more updates on Cal men’s water polo throughout their season follow them on Twitter (@CalWaterPolo) or Instagram (@calmwaterpolo).
