Poly vs Millikan 10.16.08

Press Telegram
Long Beach, CA

Prep Roundup
Lombardino's late goal lifts Poly over Millikan
From staff reports
Article Launched: 10/16/2008 10:26:10 PM PDT
From staff reports

Nick Lombardino was about as thrilled as a high school water polo player can be. For good reason.
Having just watched teammate Brian Mojica tie the score 6-6 with 45 seconds to play, Lombardino scored from point-blank range off a rebound with seven seconds left to give Poly a 7-6 victory over Millikan in a Moore League match Thursday at Poly.
"I've never felt anything like that," Lombardino said of the ensuing rush. "It's the most amazing thing I've felt in my life. I want to go out and paint the town."
This was a match that drastically changed directions. The Jackrabbits (9-8, 2-0) led 4-0 at halftime on three goals by Dillon Kruger and one by Mcaully Xing.
But the Rams (8-6, 1-1) scored six consecutive goals in the third quarter - by Trevor Tautolo, Jace Berry, Nick Beavers, Conner McCombs, Nick Urey and Trevor Larson - to lead 6-4. That onslaught took less than four minutes.
Still trailing by two goals, Poly coach Scott Penttila called timeout with about 1:30 to play in the match. Lombardino then scored almost immediately with 1:19 left to pull Poly within 6-5, setting up Mojica's tying goal and then Lombardino's game-winner.
Millikan coach Al Reyes praised Poly, but bemoaned his team's slow start.
"We can't spot any team, much less Poly, a 4-0 lead if we're going to be successful," he said.

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