SAN DIEGO, Calif. - No. 17 Santa Clara men's water polo's attempt at a comeback victory fell just short as the Broncos fell on the road to 13th-ranked UC San Diego, 10-9, on Friday evening.
Santa Clara trailed 7-4 at the start of the fourth quarter, but Chase Raisin quickly rattled a shot home to cut the deficit to two. UC San Diego scored a goal of their own on the ensuing possession, however the Broncos answered right back on their next possession with Zach Fales taking the honors. After another Bronco goal by Caedmon Fisher and two goals from the Tritons, Santa Clara found themselves down 10-7 in the final three minutes. With just over one minute remaining in regulation, Dominick Kirk scored to cut the deficit back down to two, and Ford Eldredge followed with another goal to make it a one-score affair at 10-9, but that was as close as Santa Clara could get before the final horn sounded.
Eldredge and Cody Ferguson led the way for the Broncos with two goals each while Fales dished out three assists to go with his lone goal for a team-best four points. Fales also added two steals and drew a pair of exclusions.
Chase Zamborelli played all but the final 13 seconds, finishing with five saves.
The Broncos return to action next Thursday, Oct. 20, vs. Cal Baptist in their first home match of the season. Santa Clara will then host the annual Julian Fraser Memorial Tournament over the weekend.
