Sept. 10, 2005

REDLANDS, Calif. - The Santa Clara men's water polo team took to the pool Saturday afternoon looking to gain a foothold early in the 2005 season and create some momentum. They did just that as the Broncos captured a pair of victories in the Redlands Tournament to even their record at 2-2.

In the morning contest, the Broncos jumped all over Chapman, scoring early and often in the 15-1 triumph with a potent counterattack. Grant Allison paced the Broncos with a pair of goals and three kickouts while freshman Tom Hendrickson contributed a goal and assisted on three others. Kevin Starry, Whit Gilfillan, Matt Martin and Jack Wall each had two goals in the contest as well. Rounding out the scoring with a goal apiece were Austin Brizgys, Jon Greco, Mike Detoy and Patrick Noack.

Santa Clara returned to the pool in the afternoon to face off against La Verne, and in a hard-fought match in La Verne's home pool, the Broncos dug in and gritted out a 9-8 win.

"It was a real physical game," said head coach Keith Wilbur. "A lot of offenses and kickouts were called, but it was a good game to come out of with a win, especially at La Verne's home pool."

Wall led the Bronco effort with three goals and three steals in the match while Greco added a pair of goals, four assists and a kickout. Hendrickson, Gilfillan, Josh Early and Luke Oda all also had goals in the win.

Santa Clara will finish off tournament action tomorrow when they open up against Claremont at 10:15 a.m. and return to the pool at 2 p.m. to take on Redlands.