Lindsey Boyd (@lindsboyd3):
Four games, two wins and a combined total of 44 goals later, San Jose State (3-3) left the annual Aggie Shootout 2-2, dropping two matches to No. 8 Pepperdine and No. 6 University of the Pacific.
The Spartans had a quick 2-2 start against Pepperdine, but let the Waves crash back with not one, but two 4-0 runs in the last three quarters. By the looks of the first period SJSU had a chance to compete closely with the nationally ranked team.
Freshman 2-Meter Luka Cupic and freshman Jacob Mercep’s goals priced through the holes in the Waves’ defense
However, as seen in SJSU’s 23-12 game against No. 5 UOP, the Spartans couldn’t break the opposing team’s shooting streaks.
“They weren’t coming out with enough intensity in the beginning,” said Michael Pardon, sophomore 2-Meter Finn Pardon’s father. “They played really good first halves and then they fade.”
Competing against the unranked Santa Clara and Whittier teams, SJSU took the lead early and sustained it. It had a 7-1 lead against Santa Clara in the first half. The momentum helped SJSU win 18-10.
Against Whittier, SJSU had a 5-0 run during the second half to pull ahead. The Poets sought justice within the last three minutes of the game, and slide in three goals to end the match with a final score of 10-7. Sophomore goalie Conrad Gordon played for the first time this season and had four saves against Whittier.
Fin took control of the 10-7 game with back-to-back points in the third quarter, scoring three in total. He also tallied five goals against Santa Clara, while his family from Southern California watched in the stands.
“Well I hope he plays hard all the time,” Michael said. “But he might have with me and his grandma here.”
The freshman, especially Merceop, had opportunities to play long stretches of game. Merceop had six goals against No. 6 UOP and center Seanan McManus played his first few periods against Santa Clara.
“We got excited and they got a lead [for the] first time in a while,” said head coach Bruce Watson. “It’s the first time they are feeling cocky.”
After its tournament high 18-point performance against Santa Clara, No. 6 UOP gave the Spartans a 23-12 reality check. Merceop scored half of SJSU’s points, but the Tigers three straight goals in the first allowed them to pull away early, 6-2. The Tiger’s eight goals in the third quarter sealed the Spartans’ fate.
Overall, the Aggie Shootout was a test of varying aggression and speed. Pepperdine and UOP’s quickness to get a hand in SJSU’s face on defense challenged its shots, and their swift offense proved why the two teams are ranked nationally.
“The level’s different,” Watson said. “Pepperdine is much higher ranked and Santa Clara is someone we are ranked near and it felt really good to come out and beat ‘em fairly well.”
SJSU will travel to LA next weekend to play at the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Tournament.