Oct. 31, 2008

DAVIS, Calif. - The No. 14 Santa Clara men's water polo team fell 14-8 to No. 5 Loyola Marymount in a game played at UC Davis. This is SCU's (14-9, 8-3 WWPA) second conference loss this season. Redshirt senior Josh Early led the Broncos attack throughout the game with a goal, two assists, two steals and a kick out drawn.

"Loyola Marymount is a very good team," head coach Keith Wilbur said. "We played at their level for three quarters, but had some breakdowns late and LMU was able to capitalize on that and get the point advantage."

WWPA Top Performer of the week, redshirt junior Jack Wall scored three goals and had a steal, and junior Matt Adler tallied a goal, an assist, a steal and a kick out drawn. Sophomore Nicholas Poggetti had a strong offensive and defensive game for Santa Clara, as he notched a goal, an assist, drew a kick out and had a steal. In the cage, freshman Michael Wishart had six blocks and a steal.

"This was a good test for us," Wilbur said. "We now know how we have to play when we face LMU in the playoffs. If we play our best game we are capable of defeating them."

The Broncos return to action this Sunday, Nov. 2, at noon, when they host No. 2 Stanford. This will be the second time Santa Clara will face the Cardinal this season. SCU is looking to redeem themselves at home, after losing 15-2 at the NorCal Tournament on Sept. 20.

Santa Clara 8, Loyola Marymount 14

Goals
Early - 1, Klipa - 1, Poggetti - 1, Wall - 3, Adler - 1, Hobbs - 1

Steals
Early - 2, Klipa - 1, Sorgenfrei - 2, Poggetti - 1, Case - 1, Wall - 1, Adler - 1, Wishart - 1

Kicks Outs Drawn
Farrell - 2, Early - 1, Meistrell - 1, Detoy - 1, Poggetti - 1, Adler - 1, Hobbs - 2

Blocks
Wishart - 6