Sept. 16, 2017
San Jose, Calif.--- The San José State men's water polo team split the first two games in the first round of the Aggie Shootout. The Spartans defeated Whittier 10-7, but lost to Pepperdine 4-10. Four different Spartans scored multiple goals in the first two matches.
Game 1: Spartans 4, Pepperdine 10
In the Spartans first game at the Aggie Shootout, they played their first conference match of the season against the Pepperdine Waves. San José state kept it close against No.8 Pepperdine in the first half, only trailing 4-2. Pepperdine sealed the Spartans fate as they scored six times in the remaining two periods.
"We didn't play a bad game, and we hung in there pretty well against a very good team," said Spartan head coach Bruce Watson.
Pepperdine's Marko Asic and Chris Dilworth each scored a pair of goals in the contest.
San José State's Conor Shuey, scored twice in the second half to pick up his first two goals on the season.
TJ Palmer had seven saves in net for the Spartans. "TJ played very well, and made some critical saves for us," said coach Watson. "This was the best game that he has played."
Game 2: Spartans 10, Whittier 7
In the second match of the tournament the Spartans defeated Whittier with a hat-trick from leading goal scorer, Finn Pardon. Pardon has tallied six goals in the Spartans first four games this season.
"Although we got the win, we didn't bring enough fire. We played great defense, but did not shoot well enough" said coach Watson.
Freshman Jacob Mercep, and Justin Pickering each scored two goals in the match.
Goalkeeper Conrad Gordon made his first start in net this season, and tallied four saves with a win.
The Spartans compete tomorrow in the final day of the Aggie Shootout at UC Davis against Santa Clara at 9:00 a.m., and Pacific at 1:30 p.m.