Nov. 17, 2006

POMONA, Calif. - The Santa Clara Broncos got the Western Water Polo Association Championships started on a good note, defeating Air Force by a score of 6-3. With the victory, the Broncos will play on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. against No. 1 seeded UC San Diego. 

It was a very tight game, with both teams playing very good defense. Goals were very hard to come by, but in the fourth quarter, with Santa Clara leading 3-1, the Broncos gave up a 5M penalty shot. Goalie Robert Callahan came up with a huge save and the Broncos quickly countered. Freshman Liam Farrell put the Broncos up 4-2, and that was the turning point in the game. The Broncos went on to win 6-3.

Farrell finished the game with a hat-trick, and Mike Detoy, Billy Gorin and Mike Sorgenfrei each had a goal of their own. Luke Oda continued his strong play, drawing three kickouts, and Callahan posted a season-high 15 blocks in the cage and added two steals.

Saturday's matchup against UC San Diego could be a tough test for the Broncos. In their only meeting this season, the Broncos were defeated by No. 1 seeded UC San Diego by a score of 12-7. However, the Broncos finished the season with an 11-3 record in the WWPA, including a 9-6 upset of defending conference champion Loyola Marymount on October 21st. Stay tuned to santaclarabroncos.com for score updates and match results.

Fri., November 17
Game 1  
Santa Clara def. Air Force    6-3

Game 2    
Pomona-Pitzer def. La Verne    10-6

Game 3    
UC Santa Cruz def. Whittier    12-7

Game 4   
UC Davis def. Redlands    9-6

Game 5   
LMU def. Pomona-Pitzer    5-4

Game 6   
UC San Diego def. UC Santa Cruz    13-9