Oct. 8, 2017
Claremont, Calif.--- Jacob Mercep records 17 goals in three games to help the Spartans to a 3-0 run at the Gary Troyer Tournament in Claremont, California. The freshman is leading the Golden Coast Conference with 56 goals.
The San José State University men's water polo team now holds the most wins since the programs reinstatement in 2015 with an overall record of 8-7.
"The performance at the tournament was just a testament to the hard work, and perseverance the team has," said Spartan head coach Bruce Watson.
San JoséState 19 vs Cal Baptist 16
Jacob Mercep set a single game record with nine goals against the Lancers in the Spartans first match at the Gary Troyer Tournament. The Freshman recorded nine goals, one assist, and one steal in the event.
The Spartans received 17 of their 19 goals from freshman, and sophomores. Luka Cupic captured the first hat-trick of his career on six shots. Justin Pickering, Ashley Castle, Finn Pardon, Ben Hauschild, and Giacomo Lovatelli each had a goal in the contest.
Junior, Bendeguz Toth, had a pair of goals, and an assist in the match.
San JoséState 17 vs Chapman 14
The Spartans got off to a strong start in the first period going on a 6-0 run.
Justin Pickering scored his first hat-trick of his Spartan career on five shots.
Four different Spartans had a pair of goals in the match: Alan Viollier, Rion Parenteau, Ashley Castle, and Jacob Mercep.
TJ Palmer recorded 11 saves, and one steal in the win over the Panthers.
San JoséState 12 vs Whittier 9
The Spartans played back to back games at the Gary Troyer Tournament.
"It was a tough test to play back to back games. The team showed perseverance, and battled until the end," said Coach Watson.
Jacob Mercep had six goals on eight shots in the contest against Whittier. Ben Hauschild tallied one goal, two assists, and four steals against the Poets.
Sophomore, Finn Pardon, recorded his third hat-trick of the season to seal the final win in the tournament for San José State.
TJ Palmer recorded 10 saves and a steal in the match. He now has five wins this season.
The Spartans return home October 13 at West Valley College to compete against their conference opponent, UC Santa Barbara.