Oct. 22, 2017
San Jose, Calif.--- The San José State University men's water polo team (13-8) went 4-0 in the Julian Fraser Memorial Tournament. On day one, the team defeated #18 Cal Baptist 14-9, and #15 Harvard 16-14. On day two, the Spartans defeated Wagner 12-10, and Loyola Marymount 9-5. The Spartans are 8-1 in their last nine games.
"We got a little fatigued, but we picked up four wins," said Spartan head coach Bruce Watson. "We have a tough schedule ahead, but hopefully these games will help us get better."
Jacob Mercep, the true freshman from Croatia, led the Julian Fraser Memorial Tournament with 20 points on 15 goals. This season, Mercep is first in the Golden Coast Conference with 93 points and 74 goals in 20 games. The two time GCC "Player of the Week" is ninth in the GCC in assists with 19.
Ashley Castle had 13 points in the four matches at the tournament. The sophomore had a total of seven goals, six assists and seven steals.
Ben Hauschild is second in the GCC in steals with 48 after his 12 steals in the tournament. Hauschild totaled 11 points with six goals and five assists.
"Ben played very well on defense and offense," said Coach Watson. "He became a tremendous threat on the power play."
#11 San JoséState 12 vs Wagner 10
The Spartans defeated Wagner, 12-10, in the first match of the day.
Wagner's Oscar Nomura tied the score at 3-3 in the second period, but San José State answered back with five unanswered goals to seal the win.
Jacob Mercep scored four times for the Spartans in the victory. Finn Pardon scored his fourth hat-trick of the season with three goals against the Seahawks.
TJ Palmer had seven saves and a steal against Wagner.
#11 San JoséState 9 vs Loyola Marymount 5
After a scoreless first period against the Lions, the Spartans scored six in the second period and won, 9-5.
Abraham Santana and Bendeguz Toth each had a pair of goals in the match.
Goals from Ashley Castle, Marc Weber, Seanan McManus, and Jacob Mercep helped give the Spartans their 13th win of the season.
TJ Palmer had four saves in the game. He was the co-leader in the Julian Fraser Memorial Tournament with 27 saves.
The Spartans will travel to Malibu, California to face conference opponent #7-Pepperdine October 27 at 7:00 p.m.