Stanford, Calif.----- It was another tough first half for the San José State University men's water polo team taking on its second consecutive top-five team nationally. The Spartans trailed 9-1 at half before losing to #3-Stanford, 16-3.
Justin Pickering scored the Spartans' only first half goal with 28 seconds remaining before halftime. #17-San José State (4-4) trailed 9-1 after two quarters and 13-1 before Niels Hofmeijer converted on a fourth-quarter power-play goal. Neil Arnett's power play goal for the Spartans closed out the team's scoring on the afternoon.
San José State goalkeeper Yahav Fire was credited with seven saves. Stanford's Oliver Lewis stopped nine Spartan shots.
Ben Hallock of the Cardinal (8-0) led all players with four goals.
San José State opens Golden Coast Conference action, Friday at UC Santa Barbara in a 7:00 p.m. contest.
San Jose State University men's water polo
San Jose State at Stanford
Avery Aquatics Stadium, Stanford, Calif.
Non-conference match
#17-San José State (4-4) 0-1-0-2=3
#3-Stanford (8-0) 6-3-4-3=16
Goal scorers
San José State - Justin Pickering, Neils Hofmeijer, Neil Arenett, 1, each.
Stanford - Ben Hallock, 4; Blake Parrish, Dylan Woodhead, Marco Stanchi, 2, each; Tyler Abramson, A.J. Rossman, Bennett Williams, Quinn Woodhead, Duncan MacTavish, Josh Orrick, 1, each.
Goalkeeper saves
San José State -- Yahav Fire, 7
Stanford -- Oliver Lewis, 9.
Ejections
San José State -- 12
Stanford - 12