Oct. 25, 2008

SANTA CLARA, Calif. - The No. 12 Santa Clara men's water polo earned their first home win of the season, 9-7, over No. 20 Air Force, in their new home facility, the Sullivan Aquatics Center. In their home debut, SCU took on a talented Falcon squad that matched up well versus the aggressive Broncos, but Santa Clara was able to keep a score advantage throughout the four quarters. Behind a cheering home crowd, the Broncos were able to get on the board first off the arm of redshirt junior Jack Wall. Wall, who scored two goals in the day's effort and contributed both offensively and defensively in the game, with an assist and three steals as well.

The entire Bronco team contributed in the game, keeping the ball predominately on the Air Force half. In the third quarter Andrew Fitch had a clear breakaway that drew a 5 meter foul just as he was about to execute his shot. Wall took the 5 meter shot and converted the critical point with a solid throw to the corner of the goal past the diving Falcons goalie. Santa Clara took the momentum of the goal and was able to frustrate the Falcons, as they were unable to execute many shots on freshman goalie Michael Wishart. Wishart had another standout game, notching 12 blocks. Santa Clara solidified their lead in the fourth quarter, when redshirt senior Chris Parolin got a clean break and beat both his defenders to get a key goal for SCU.

"It was great to get a win in our first game at home," head coach Keith Wilbur said. "I think we were a little nervous at the beginning of the game, but we were collectively able to get the advantage and get a win. We had some key plays in the game that helped us edge Air Force in this morning's victory."

The Broncos return to action at 5 p.m. today, as they take on California Baptist. Cal Baptist will face Air Force at 1:30 p.m. before they take on SCU.