USAFA, Colo. – The No. 3 California men's water polo team opened its 2025 campaign with a pair of wins over Redlands (21-4) and Air Force (25-10) at the Rare Air Challenge on Saturday at Cadet Natatorium in USAFA, Colorado.
 
The Golden Bears showcased its offensive firepower after outscoring its opponents 46-14 on the day. Sophomore Patrik Kolak led the way for the Bears after recording seven goals, four assists and one steal, totaling 11 points.
 
The freshman provided a huge spark for the Bears as goalkeeper Aran Pina picked up two wins to start his collegiate career after recording 12 saves, three steals and one assist on the day. In the first game against Redlands, Tomas Perrone provided four goals, one assist and one steal. In the second game against Air Force, Beso Akhvlediani and Gigo Sarimsakci both recorded a hat trick, helping the Bears to a convincing win.
 
Newcomers Dominic Brown and Chase Wilson made an impressive debut for Cal, combining for nine goals, three steals and two assists.
 
Game 1: No. 3 Cal – 21 | Redlands – 4

• 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.

Game 2: No. 3 Cal – 25 | Air Force – 10

• 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).

NEXT UP
Cal will close out the Rare Air Challenge with two games on Sunday, beginning at 8:00 am against Salem, followed by Mount St. Mary's at 12:00 pm. 
 
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