Nov. 18, 2004

DAVIS, Calif. - The sixth-seeded Santa Clara University men's water polo team (9-21) dropped an 8-4 decision to third-seeded UC Davis in the first day of action at the Western Water Polo Association Championships in Davis, Calif.

"It has been a few years since we have been in this tournament," said head coach Keith Wilbur. "We might have forgotten how to play playoff water polo when the match started. However, we figured it out as the game went on. It will help us in the remaining two or three games this week."

UC Davis came out quick in the match, scoring three goals in the first two minutes to take a 3-0 lead over the Broncos. After a Santa Clara timeout, Jon Greco put SCU on the board with its first goal of the contest. However, the Aggie attack was not done as it posted two more goals before the period concluded.

In the second period, UC Davis scored its sixth goal to open play. Charlie Moore would cut the Aggie lead to four heading into halftime as he found the back of the net with 18 seconds left in the half.

The Broncos put together a strong performance in both sides of the pool in the third period as they held the Aggies scoreless in the frame. Kevin Starry and Austin Brizgys both scored in the third quarter, cutting the Davis lead to two goals heading into the final period.

UC Davis would hold the Broncos scoreless in the fourth period and added two goals of its own to claim the 8-4 victory in its home pool.

Peter Moore recorded five saves and two steals in the cage for SCU. Greco also was a solid defensive contributor, adding five steals in the match.

The Broncos will be back in action in the second day of the championships tomorrow. SCU will take on UC Santa Cruz at 11:30 a.m. at UC Davis.