STANFORD, Calif. — The No. 17 Santa Clara University men's water polo team played another close contest Saturday in the early goings on the road versus a top-five ranked team, but like Friday, the second half was a different story, as this time No. 2 Stanford pulled away for a 19-9 non-conference victory at Avery Aquatic Center.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• No. 17 Santa Clara (12-10) only trailed by one goal, 6-5, at halftime. The Broncos matched the No. 2 Cardinal (17-3) goal for goal in the second period after putting up three goals to Stanford's four in the opening frame.
   
• Santa Clara kept trading blows with Stanford to open the second half, matching the Cardinal's power-play goal 40 seconds in with one of their own from Reese Jenican, keeping it a one-score game at 7-6.
   
• But that's when Stanford started pulling away. The Cardinal scored five unanswered goals through the rest of the third period to double up the Broncos with a 12-6 lead. Stanford's offensive pressure didn't let up in the final period, scoring seven goals to Santa Clara's three, sealing the victory.
   
• Defending West Coast Conference Player of the Week Zach Fales led Santa Clara with three goals. Defending WCC Newcomer of the Week Riccardo De Simon added two goals, while Luke Baird, Julien Chow, Henry Engs and Jenican each scored one. Harrison Labrosse made 10 saves in goal for the Broncos.
   
• Soren Jensen led the Cardinal with four goals, while four other Cardinal players scored two each. West Temkin made seven saves for Stanford.

COMING UP

• The Broncos conclude the regular season at home Friday versus Air Force with a WCC contest on Senior Day. Fans can purchase tickets and find all live coverage links at SantaClaraBroncos.com.