Noah Smith Named SCIAC Men's Water Polo Defensive Player of the Week

CLAREMONT, Calif. - Sophomore goalie Noah Smith, who averaged double figures in saves in four matches at the Inland Empire Classic this weekend, was named the SCIAC Men's Water Polo Defensive Player of the Week, the league office announced today.

Smith helped CMS to a 2-2 record at the Inland Empire, with the losses coming to No. 1 USC and No. 4 UC Santa Barbara. In the two wins, Smith tallied 13 saves in a 12-9 win over Concordia and nine saves in a 10-7 win over Fresno Pacific, while coming up big in the pivotal second halves of both contests. Smith allowed only five goals combined after halftime in the two matches, yielding three to Concordia as the Stags pulled away and only two to Fresno Pacific after the Sunbirds led 5-4 at the half. 

After the weekend, the Stags stand at 3-5 on the season with all five losses coming against teams in the national top 20, including three in the top 10 (No. 1 USC, No. 4 UCSB and No. 9 UC San Diego). Despite the difficult schedule, Smith has maintained a save percentage of almost .500, with 73 saves and 75 goals allowed so far this fall. 

CMS will be back in action on Saturday when it opens SCIAC play against Caltech at home at Axelrood Pool, beginning at 11 a.m.