Broncos Win Fifth Straight Over No. 19 California Baptist University
Sept. 30, 2006
SANTA CRUZ, Calif. - The Santa Clara men's water polo team pulled out another big win Saturday against No. 19 California Baptist University, a hard-fought 10-9 victory. The Broncos (5-8) have now won five in a row, and remain 3-0 in WWPA conference play. Heading into Saturday's contest, Santa Clara knew it would be a very close game. Wednesday's national poll placed California Baptist at No. 19, immediately ahead of No. 20 Santa Clara, and the match's final score was a very good demonstration of the teams' proximity in the rankings. It was a very close match, and neither team was able to assert, nor run away with any sort of lead. Heading into the fourth quarter, the game was all tied up. Soon after, the Broncos fell behind. But after going down in the fourth quarter for the second straight weekend, the Broncos came back again, and came away with the victory. On offense, Jack Wall had four goals - three from five meters. Freshman Liam Farrell continued his emergence as the team's second biggest scoring threat. Sophomore Billy Gorin had a huge hand in the victory, scoring three goals, notching two assists, grabbing a steal and drawing a 5M. Chris Parolin also had a solid effort, grabbing a steal, notching an assist, and drawing a kickout and a 5M. Junior Rob Callahan played the entire match in the cage, recording 13 blocks. In the last five games, the Broncos have averaged less than eight goals-against per game, down from approximately 12 goals-against per game during their 0-8 start to the 2006 season. In his last three starts, Callahan has averaged only seven goals-against per game.
The team's improved defensive play will be important Sunday morning when they host No. 8 ranked UC Davis. The match begins at 10:00 a.m. at the Malley Pool. |
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