Jancic Nets Sudden Death Winner as Long Beach State Wins Opening Game of MPSF Invite

Friday, September 22

Los Angeles, Calif.

3:00 p.m.

Long Beach State University

9-2

UC Irvine

4-4

UC Irvine

Long Beach State

Photo by: John Fajardo

Jancic Nets Sudden Death Winner as Long Beach State Wins Opening Game of MPSF Invite

9/22/2023 5:25:00 PM | Men's Water Polo

Box Score

Evan Cain led the Beach with 4 goals, including three in the fourth to force OT.

By: Bryan Alamillo, Athletics Communications Assistant

LOS ANGELES, Calif.—No. 11 Long Beach State men's water polo opened play at the MPSF Invitational in dramatic fashion as they defeated No. 12 UC Irvine in sudden death. After a complete team effort on both sides of the ball, Nikola Jancic was able to net the winner to defeat the Anteaters.

Robert Lopez Duart and Riley Catino continued their strong seasons, as they got the Beach on the board in the first quarter. However, UC Irvine would also score two goals in the quarter which was symbolic of the game to come.

The Anteaters came out on the front foot in the second quarter, scoring three straight goals to open play. Bruno Chiappini and Marc Frigola would each score to pull the Beach within one, but UC Irvine would score another and lead 6-4 at halftime.

UC Irvine opened the second half by scoring first, but then it was Long Beach State's turn to score three straight goals in response. UC Irvine would score another in the third but Guillermo Ocasio finished the quarter strong for Long Beach State, but they still trailed by one goal headed into the final quarter.

Long Beach State fought back in the fourth quarter behind three goals from junior Evan Cain to send the game into overtime.

Overtime was a display of grit and determination by both teams, as neither team could find the back of the net during the first overtime period. Once again, Evan Cain stepped up in the second overtime period breaking the deadlock and giving Long Beach State their first lead of the game. However, shortly after, the Beach were whistled for a five-meter penalty, but Liam Ward stood his ground and made the save with just :10 remaining in the game. Unfortunately for Long Beach State, UC Irvine was able to find an equalizer after drawing another powerplay. After going down a man in the sudden death period, the Beach defense stood strong and got the stop allowing Nikola Jancic to score the winner with 1:34 left in the game.

Evan Cain led the Beach with four goals and two assists, while Bruno Chiappini, Marc Frigola, and Guillermo Ocasio each scored twice. On the defensive end, Liam Ward had a huge game making 16 saves, including the five-meter penalty save, and Chiappini had four steals.

The win on Friday means that Long Beach State's next game will take place on Saturday at USC's Uytengsu Aquatics Center at 8 a.m. The Beach will take on the California Golden Bears who are currently ranked No. 1 in the nation and are 10-0 this season. Live stats for the game will be available on theFOSH.net