The Lions stopped the University of California – San Diego 7-3 in the quarterfinals of the 2018 Collegiate Water Polo Association Men's Collegiate National Club Championship Saturday morning at the University of Arizona Recreation Center in Tucson, Arizona.

As happened in the opening round on Friday, Lindenwood struck first in the match when Jamie Gambin ripped a shot with 4:58 remaining in the first quarter.  The Tritons answered late in the frame, but the Lions still had time to net one more off the arm of Ratimir Babic to take a 2-1 lead.

Only two goals were scored in the second, but it took most of it to happen.  UC – San Diego tied the game on a man-advantage play with 1:17 to go, but Babic rocked the cage just 18 seconds later to give Lindenwood a 3-2 advantage at the half.

Solid defense again ruled most of the third quarter, but a man-advantage marker from Andreja Babic at 5:31 and an even-strength goal with 11 seconds left pushed the Lions margin to 5-2. Marino Chorro and Mitch Griffin extended the lead to 7-2 in the fourth before the Tritons closed out the game with their third goal.

Lindenwood goaltender Arnau Bayer made 13 saves in the cage to earn Player of the Game honors.  The Lions scored a goal on three man-advantage opportunities while holding UC – San Diego to three goals on 14 chances.

The win sends Lindenwood to the semifinals against the University of California later on Saturday.  The Golden Bears impressed in a 15-  3 victory over Ohio State University in the quarterfinals.  The opening sprint is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. CST at the University of Arizona Recreation Center in Tucson, Arizona.