Sept. 16, 2007

Berkeley, Calif. -- After an 11-4 morning loss to #17 Air Force, the Santa Clara men's water polo team rebounded in convincing fashion, with a 15-7 win against Santa Cruz.

The Broncos hit both ends of the emotional spectrum today. "The Air Force game was the worst game of the season for us," said head coach Keith Wilbur. "And the Santa Cruz game was the best game of the year."

In the first game of the day, Liam Farrell, Andrew Fitch, Matthew Martin, and Tommy Kelly were the goal scorers. Luke Oda chipped in with three kickouts drawn. Robert Callahan blocked eight shots in the cage.

"Air Force came to play and we didn't," said Wilbur. "They scored the first couple of goals and that was it. It was definitely disappointing."

The team used the loss to fire themselves up for the next game. "We came out focused and strong," said Wilbur. "We played all four quarters. The team was definitely motivated."

Farrell led the goal scorers with three. Fitch had an excellent game as well, recording two goals, three assists, two kickouts drawn, and drew a 5m penalty shot. Matt Adler had two goals as well as two assists and a kickout drawn. Josh Early, Charlie Moore, Stephen Hobbs, and Kelly each had two goals apiece. Mark Soares and Martin also scored goals to round out the scoring. Tommy Hendrickson contributed with three assists.

Robert Callahan had an excellent game in the cage, recording eight blocks and an assist in three quarters of action. Chris Jones blocked three shots in the 4th quarter.

The Broncos have clicked offensively in all their wins, averaging 15 in victories, and just over five in their losses.

The team finishes the NorCal Open 1-3 and is 3-6 on the season. Their home opener with be Thursday, September 20 against Fordham at 7 p.m.