By Jessica Jimenez — Staff Writer
San Jose State men’s water polo (1-1) headed up north for the Pacific Invitational at the University of the Pacific where it started out the morning playing an exhibition game against Cuesta College before splitting its’ first two official games with UOP and Santa Clara, 11-16 and 10-9.
Within two minutes of play, SJSU senior driver Marc Weber scored a penalty shot putting the team up on the scoreboard.
The Spartans went on to outscore the Cougars 5-2 by the end of the first period.
During the second, the Spartans faced four exclusions creating several opportunities for CCC to score.
Both attackers, freshman Ethan Koch and sophomore Utku Karhan took multiple shots throughout the game scoring three goals each and assisting on one goal a piece.
Only 30 minutes later did the Spartans return for their first official game of the season against UOP.
The Tigers went up on the scoreboard first, but only nine seconds later SJSU sophomore attacker Neil Arnett suddenly put one up for the Spartans.
Spartan sophomore drivers Adam Bado and Weber each scored on even strength plays but it wasn’t enough and UOP ended the first period leading the game, 7-3.
For the second and third periods, SJSU’s offense was lacking and the team never caught up to their opponents.
Two more goals were scored in the final period with the Tigers ending strong, 16-11 thanks to freshman utility player Jeremie Cote with four goals in the game.
The Spartans played their last and final game of the day against Santa Clara University.
Junior driver Justin Pickering put one in the net on an even strength for SJSU.
Weber went on to end the period with a penalty shot as well as another goal tying it, 3-3.
Sophomore 2-meter defender Niels Hofmeijer threw one into the net on a power play and senior driver Ashley Castle helped end the second period strong with two goals.
Bronco brothers, freshman center defender Dominick Kirk and senior driver Patrick Kirk put up two goals ending the third period with another tie, 8-8.
A penalty shot by Weber was the final goal of the game closely ending it, 10-9.
Over the course of the three games, SJSU faced well over 40 exclusions, something the team should focus on improving.
The team never strayed away from taking full advantage of throwing shots into the net and managed to shoot 81 collectively as a unit. The Spartans will play in the Stanford Invite on Friday and Saturday, September 13-14 against the Cardinal and the UCLA Bruins beginning with a 6 p.m. matchup at Stanford Avery Aquatic Center.
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