The No. 16 Santa Clara men’s water polo team played their WWPA opener in their second matchup against No. 10 UC Davis on Saturday, with the Broncos on the wrong side of a 15-10 decision. After this weekend, the team’s overall record moves to 5-14 in one of the toughest schedules under head coach Keith Wilbur.

The Broncos held an early 3-1 lead at the end of the second quarter and were able to score four more times in the second, but the Aggies’ offense also found life in the second and the score was 7-6 in favor of the Broncos entering halftime.

UC Davis would not be denied in the second half, scoring nine goals and holding SCU to just three, ending the game with a final score of 15-10 in favor of the Aggies.

Junior Graham McClone led Santa Clara with a hat trick while Owen Asalone and John Raineri each found the back of the net twice. Evan Chang once again gave the Broncos power play opportunities with three earned ejections. Goalkeeper Joe Maestri earned nine saves.

Santa Clara will have another conference matchup next week against Cal Baptist on Thursday, Oct. 22 at 6 p.m. The Broncos will then host the annual Rodeo Tournament Oct. 23-25 including matchups against rival No. 10 Brown, Harvard, No. 18 St. Francis (NY), and No. 13 Bucknell.

#10 UC Davis 15, #16 Santa Clara 10

Goals: DeMarco Orella (1), Graham McClone (3), Owen Asalone (2), John Raineri (2), Will Grant (1), Sam Toriggino (1)
Saves: Joe Maestri (9)