SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Thursday night's final score was not indicative of the battle that went on at Sullivan Aquatic Center, as the No. 17 Santa Clara University men's water polo team gave three-time defending national champion and No. 9-ranked California all it could handle before falling, 14-10, in a non-conference matchup.
 
The No. 17 Broncos (9-5) had No. 9 California (10-7) on the ropes in the third period after charging all the way back from a 5-1 first-period deficit. Santa Clara had two chances at the end of the third to tie the game at 10-10. The Golden Bears stood strong and stopped both SCU attempts, one a penalty shot and the other a man-advantage possession, then went on to outscore them, 4-1, down the stretch to pull away for the victory.
 
Santa Clara fell behind early, trailing California, 5-1, after one period of play. But they weren't done yet.
 
Back-to-back goals from the Broncos to start the second period made it 5-3. One more goal from Zach Fales two minutes later pulled Santa Clara to within one at 5-4. The teams traded goals with under three minutes to play in the half to make it 6-5, and then the Golden Bears added two insurance goals in the last 35 seconds of the second, but Santa Clara had spoken, and it was back in the game.
 
The momentum continued for Santa Clara after the break. It scored three goals in the first 3:15 of the third period while only giving up one, pulling them to within one at 9-8. The teams exchanged goals under the three-minute mark of the third period to make it 10-9, setting up Santa Clara's game-tying opportunities.
 
Gojko Kapovic led Santa Clara with three goals and an assist for four points. Fales and Harrison Villella had two goals each. Riccardo De Simon, Henry Engs and Reese Jenican all scored one each. The Bears were led by Max Casabella, who netted five goals, and Albert Ponferrada, who scored two. Harrison Labrosse made 11 saves in goal for Santa Clara.
 
The Broncos' home stand continues next week with four games. No. 15 California Baptist visits on Thursday for a West Coast Conference showdown. Santa Clara then opens their annual Julian Fraser Memorial, starting Oct. 25 and running through Oct. 27.