Photo by: Luiza Moraes
Men’s Water Polo Completes Championship Run With 10-8 Win Over UC San Diego
11/24/2024 2:25:00 PM | Men's Water Polo
The Beach earns an automatic bid to the NCAA Championships for the first time since 2021.
By: Luiza Moraes - Athletics Communication Assistant
DAVIS, Calif. – Behind a stellar performance by goalkeeper Aaron Wilson, the Beach captured their first Big West Championship title, defeating the second-seed UC San Diego 10-8. Wilson was named the Most Valuable Player of the tournament after another outstanding game, making eight saves in the final.
Long Beach State (20-10) defeated both of the top seeds in the tournament, and with the win secured the automatic entry into the upcoming NCAA Tournament for the Big West.
The Beach started on the front foot with a goal by freshman Gabi Acosta but UC San Diego (17-12) answered quickly. Freshman Corbin Stanley got on the scoresheet putting the Beach back on the lead. Three straight goals by the Triton closed the first quarter with Long Beach State trailing 4-2.
A terrific second quarter defense allowed the Beach to took control of the quarter and head into halftime up 5-4. Acosta, Alec Johnson and Caleb Francisco all added one as Aaron Wilson controlled on the defensive end.
Senior Evan Cain added one on the start of the third to extend the Beach lead, but UCSD got one back to make it a one-goal game. Freshman Harper Stewart netted one on the power play but the Tritons responded to make it 7-6 at the end of the third.
Back-to-back goals by Kostantinos Kapragkos allowed the Beach to extend the lead to three goals. UCSD answered but Kapragkos hat-trick made it 10-7 with four minutes left. The Beach controlled the end of the game to win their first Big West Championship title in their third opportunity.
The Beach now awaits their match-up for the first round of the NCAA Championships which will be announced Monday at 9 a.m. on NCAA.com. Long Beach State Men's Water Polo will be making their 14th NCAA Tournament appearance.
