Sept. 7, 2002

SAN DIEGO, Calif. - The Santa Clara University men's water polo opened the 2002 season at the Triton Invitational in San Diego, falling in its first two contests. The Broncos dropped a 21-3 decision to Loyola Marymount in the first game, and a close 5-4 score to La Verne in the afternoon. The tournament is hosted by UC San Diego.

Sophomore Nick Takahashi led the Broncos on the day, scoring all three goals against the Lions, and then capping the La Verne contest with another score. Sophomore Mark Oda tallied two goals in the second contest, while freshman Whit Gilfillan accounted for the Broncos' final tally.

"We made a couple of mental mistakes that gave La Verne counterattacking opportunities that they were able to take advantage of," head coach Keith Wilbur said. "It's a team we'll see again later in the season and I think we'll have a good shot of beating them if we can adjust some things on our end."

The Broncos remain at the Triton Invitational and will play two more contests on Sunday.