Men’s Water Polo Defeats No.8 California In A Thrilling Game

Saturday, October 12

Berkeley, Calif.

1 p.m.

Long Beach State University

California

Long Beach State

California

Photo by: Luiza Moraes

Men’s Water Polo Defeats No.8 California In A Thrilling Game

10/12/2024 3:23:00 PM | Men's Water Polo

Box Score

Senior Liam Ward recorded a season-high of 13 saves on the win.

By: Luiza Moraes - Athletic Communication Assistant

BERKELEY, Calif. – No. 9 Long Beach State defeated No. 8 California on the road Saturday at the Spieker Aquatics Complex with the score of 12-9.

The Bears (8-7, 0-2 MPSF) got on the board first with senior Max Casabella scoring on a penalty shot. Two quick goals by Evan Cain and Marc Frigola put the Beach (13-7, 0-1 Big West) in the lead 2-1. Both team traded goals with Caleb Francisco and Bruno Chiappini scoring for Long Beach State to head into the second quarter up 4-3.

A three-goal run by the Bears opened the second quarter. Francisco stopped the California run scoring his second goal of the game on an extra player situation and Freshman Kostantinos Kapragkos tied the game at six with two minutes left in the quarter. The Bears scored just before the half to take the lead again 7-6.

Marc Frigola tied the game in the beginning of the second half. Senior Liam Ward made two big saves that led to Freshman Harper Stewart scoring on a counterattack to put the Beach back in the lead 8-7. With 12 seconds remaining on the quarter, the Bears tied the game heading into the last quarter 8-8.

Back-to-back goals by Freshman Corbin Stanley and Chiappini allowed the Beach to extended the lead 10-8 before the Bears answered back. Freshman Artur Diaz and Evan Cain scored two goals to give the Beach the win against No. 9 California, 12-9.

On Sunday the Beach will face No. 4 Pacific at 1 p.m. Game will be live on ESPN+ and live stats can be followed on thefosh.net.