SARATOGA, Calif. – Justin Pickering scored three times and Cade Baldridge tallied the late game-winner to help San Jose hold off Santa Clara men's water polo, 10-8, on Friday at West Valley College.
Mac Carey and Patrick Kirk each had two goals for the Broncos (3-4) who tied the game at 8-all after twice trailing by four goals.
Reilley May, who matched a career-high with five kickouts drawn, started the final Santa Clara rally. His late third-quarter strike chopped the Spartans (4-2) lead to 8-5.
Kirk scored both of his goals in a 26-second span midway through the fourth to knot the game at 8-all.
The Broncos were 2-for-10 with the man advantage, including 0 of 5 on their five attempts in the final frame.
Baldridge pushed the Spartans back into the lead with 2:11 left in the game on an even strength strike. Pickering added an insurance goal 30 seconds later.
Seanan McManus and Neil Arnett each scored twice for San Jose State, which got 11 saves from Yahav Fire, who picked up the win.
Keaton Fox started in net for Broncos before being replaced by Matthew Churchman in the third quarter. Fox had 10 saves and Churchman recorded three.
Shane Hughes scored once and matched a career-high with four assists for the Broncos who will hold their Alumni game on Saturday at noon in Sullivan Aquatic Center.
NOTES
• Sam Toriggino, Patrick Kirk, Reilley May, Dane Estrella, Shane Hughes. Mac Carey and Keaton Fox started the game. That group has started all seven contests this season.
• Estrella was credited with a career-high tying six steals and May had a season-best three.
NEXT UP
The Broncos are off until Saturday, Sept. 29 when they play host to UC Davis in the Western Water Polo Association opener.
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