No. 4 Pacific Takes First Defeat of Season
SANTA CLARA, Calif. – A back-and-forth battle just didn't go the way of the No. 4 Pacific men's water polo program in the fourth quarter as it fell 17-13 to No. 5 Fordham on Friday in a neutral site match-up at the Sullivan Aquatic Center, hosted by Santa Clara.The intense showdown featured the only two remaining undefeated programs in the country as the Tigers move to 13-1 (2-0 WCC), while the Rams improve to 18-8 (7-0 MAWPC).
Senior Mihailo Vukazic, the two-time reigning West Coast Conference Player of the Week winner, led Pacific with four goals and two assists. He's up to 49 goals (3.5 gpg) on the season.
A hat trick was netted by graduate Matthew Hosmer, his second in a row and seventh of the season. Senior Jeremie Cote registered two goals.
Aiding the attack was graduate Stefan Vavic and senior Reuel D'Souza. Vavic finished with a goal and two assists, while D'Souza recorded a goal and three assists. Senior Gil Gvishi and freshman Yoav Rendler also found the back of the net.
The Tigers trailed 11-10 when Hosmer knotted it up at the very end of the third quarter after a pass from D'Souza. Though, the Rams were able to capitalize on their scoring opportunities in the fourth quarter to finish ahead.
Pacific is now 2-1 all-time against Fordham.
The Tigers will take the pool again tomorrow when it goes for the season sweep over No. 13 Harvard at 3:40 p.m. at the Sullivan Aquatic Center. Pacific won the first meeting 15-4 on the road on Sept. 8.
Hosmer scores at the end of the 3Q to tie it 11-11 after a beautiful pass from D'Souza.
— Pacific Water Polo (@UOPWaterPoloU) October 25, 2024
It's all knotted up between No. 4 Pacific and No. 5 Fordham heading to the 4Q#PacificProud || #DreamBig || #WaterPoloU pic.twitter.com/4vczmeUiZI
