The No. 4 state-ranked Long Beach City College men's water polo team picked up a pair of quality wins over ranked opponents at the opening day of the Golden West College tournament on Friday.

LBCC opened its day with an 11-7 victory over No. 7 Cuesta as sophomores Michael Carrillo and Dor Apffel both scored three goals each.

Later that day, Long Beach edged No. 3 West Valley College 10-9. Freshman Akio Saito had a big game in goal for the Vikings as he totaled 14 saves, including a 5-meter penalty shot. Carrillo and Apffel once again led LBCC with three goals each.

Long Beach, now 13-3 overall, return to tournament action on Saturday and will face No. 1 Golden West at 9:15 a.m. in the tournament semifinals.

Photo by Chris Ruiz