Oct. 27, 2017
Malibu, Calif.--- The #11 San José State University men's water polo team (13-9, 1-2) was narrowly defeated, 9-8, by the #8 Pepperdine Waves. With both teams tied for second in the Golden Coast Conference, they were looking to gain some separation from the pack.
The teams were tied 2-2 at the end of the first half. The leading goal scorers in the GCC conference, Jacob Mercep of San Jose State and Marko Asic of Pepperdine, both suffered misconduct penalties. They were ejected from the game with four seconds left in the second period.
Pepperdine's Mate Toth scored twice in the third period to give the Waves their first lead of the game at 4-3. The Spartans answered back with goals from Finn Pardon and Giocomo Lovatelli to regain a 5-4 lead.
The Waves surged with a pair of goals from Justin Cowan to bring the score to 6-5. San José State's, Ashley Castle, scored a late third period goal to tie the score at 6-6 heading into the final period.
In the fourth period, Pepperdine scored three unanswered goals for a 9-6 lead.
With three minutes remaining, Bendeguz Toth, scored twice for the Spartans, but it wasn't enough for the victory as the Spartans narrowly lose their second GCC match.
TJ Palmer had 13 saves, and a steal in the loss.
The men's water polo team competes October 28 at 1:00 p.m. against #1 USC. You can follow the live stats here.