LOS ANGELES  – Santa Clara men's water polo did everything they could and nearly pulled off yet another upset for the second consecutive day at the Overnght/MPSF Invitational, but unfortunately for the 19th-ranked Broncos, No. 12 UC Irvine was able to hold on in the final minutes to pick up the victory. The Broncos fell 11-10 to the Anteaters in what was their third game of the tournament that resulted in just a one-goal difference (loss to No. 8 UC Davis and win over No. 14 Cal Baptist). Santa Clara finished the Overnght/MPSF Invitational in 10th place. 
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:

• The Broncos had plenty to cheer for on Sunday. After falling behind 4-1 early in the first period, Santa Clara punched back and was tied 6-6 at the half after Gavin Fisher scored inside the final minute of the second. 
• The teams exchanged two more goals in the third period to make it 8-8 at the start of the fourth. UC Irvine struck first in the fourth, but Billy Barry, who finished with a team-best three goals on the day, evened the score right back up on the ensuing possession. Three minutes later, it happened again with Irvine taking a 10-9 advantage and the Broncos tying it right back up on a Reese Jenican score with 4:20 to play. 
• Irvine's Stewart Campbell broke through with just two minutes remaining for what would prove to be the game-winner. They were able to prevent the Bronco offense from attempting another shot for the remainder of the period. 
• Fisher each Bennett Stafford scored two goals in the loss. Zach Fales, the team's leading scorer was unable to find the back of the net, but he finished with a game-high four assists. 
• Owen Van Stralen started at keeper and came away with 10 saves and a steal. 

NEXT UP:

• Santa Clara will head to the Farm to take on No. 4 Stanford on Friday, Sept. 29, at 7:00 p.m. PT.