SANTA CLARA, Calif. – The No. 14 Bronco men's water polo team faced tough competition in the No. 7 Pacific Tigers in their home opener at the Sullivan Aquatic Center on Saturday and despite a strong defensive efforts by the Broncos, the Tigers left the pool with the 8-4 win. The Broncos are 7-6 for the season.
The Tigers came out firing in the first quarter, scoring in the first minute of play. The Broncos had good attempts on the cage, but could not convert their opportunities. The Tigers went on a three-goal run to end the first quarter 3-0.
Evan Chang found himself unmarked in front of the Tiger's goal for the Broncos first goal of the game. Matt Pritchett and the Bronco defense kept Pacific to one goal in the second quarter. Pritchett registered eight blocks in the first half. John Raineri found the back of the net, brining the Broncos within two, going into half 4-2.
The Tigers came out of half and scored to increase their lead to 5-2. The Tigers had a man-up opportunity but the Broncos stepped up their defense and did not allow the Tigers to convert for a goal. Pacific put in one more goal to end the third 6-2.
Chase Schaaf got the ball rolling for the Broncos to start the fourth, making the game 6-3 Tiger advantage. The Broncos battled it out but it was not enough for the win. The Tigers went on to put in two more goals and Mark Davis scored off a penalty shot; the game ended 8-4 Tigers win.
The Broncos will now prepare for their first conference game of the season, traveling to Southern California to take on Cal Baptist and a nonconference game against Redlands.
