USAFA, Colo.- Sam Keightley scored a match-high of five goals and delivered the go-ahead goal in overtime to lead the No. 9 and second seeded San José State men's water polo team's (13-7, 5-1 WCC) in a 13-12 victory over No. 10 and third seeded Pepperdine (17-11, 3-3 WCC) in the WCC Tournament semifinals on Saturday afternoon from Cadet Natatorium. With the win, the Spartans will head to the WCC Championship match for the third season in a row.
Throughout the match, the Spartans trailed Pepperdine, falling behind by as many as three goals, but stayed within striking distance. In the final minute of regulation, a clutch score from Samu Biros tied the game with just seconds left, sending the match to overtime. In overtime, Sam Keightley struck again to give the Spartans their first lead of the match. Erik Duesund added another goal in the final minute of the second overtime period to extend the lead and secure the victory for the Spartans.
- The Spartans went 2-0 against Pepperdine this season with both games being decided in overtime
- The Spartans also defeated Pepperdine in last season's WCC Tournament Semifinals
- Trailing behind Sam Keightley, Biros had recorded a total of four goals, as Mateja Bosić recorded a hat trick and Duesund one.
- Aiding in the offensive efforts, Mitchell Keightley dished out three assists, Duesund and Bosić each drew two and László Szieben one.
- On the defense, Bosić drew two exclusions, and Giancarlo Marquez and Szieben each recorded a steal.
- In the net, Brendon Gyapjas tallied 11 saves.
UP NEXT: The Spartans will face the winner of the match between No. 15 [5] Cal Baptist and No. 6 [1] Pacific tomorrow, Nov. 23, at noon PT on ESPN+ in the WCC Championship. The Spartans are looking for their first WCC Championship since 2023.
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