U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. — The No. 17 Santa Clara men's water polo team stormed back Saturday from a fourth-quarter deficit with three goals in the final three minutes to earn a hard-fought, 18-16 West Coast Conference road win over Air Force at Cadet Natatorium.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• The Broncos outscored the Falcons 3–1 down the stretch, pulling ahead with a pair of power-play goals in the closing minutes. Riccardo De Simon started the run with the equalizer at 3:06, Reese Jenican scored the go-ahead goal with 1:43 remaining, and De Simon added an insurance strike in the final seconds to lock in the victory.
   
• The Broncos' third period set up the finish. After the score was 6–6 late in the second, Santa Clara took a 7-6 lead into halftime on Henry Engs' goal at :47. Air Force tied it 7-7 at 7:24 of the third, and Santa Clara answered with a seven-goal quarter to build the advantage.
   
• Imme van der Schaaf and De Simon each finished with four goals to lead the offense, while Ashton Brown scored three and Jenican added two—including the eventual go-ahead goal in the fourth. Engs tallied two goals and three assists, and Luke Baird, Thomas Wisdom, and Jason Alietti each chipped in one.
   
• Santa Clara converted five power plays, including two in the final minutes, and got steady work in goal from Owen Van Stralen. who earned the win. Air Force was led by Jack Richards with eight goals.

COMING UP

• Santa Clara closes out the regular season Friday with Senior Day, hosting Pepperdine for a 1 p.m. WCC showdown. Fans can purchase tickets and find all live coverage links on SantaClaraBroncos.com.