Oct. 21, 2006
DAVIS, Calif. - Just one week after defeating conference rival UC Santa Cruz in overtime, Santa Clara raised the stakes Saturday in their 9-6 upset victory over No. 7 ranked Loyola Marymount University. Santa Clara improves their season record to 11-9, and 9-1 in Western Water Polo Association play.
Defense was again a huge contributor to the team's success. Goalie Robert Callahan had another spectacular effort in the cage, recording another performance with 10+ blocks - Callahan had 10 blocks Saturday against LMU.
At halftime, Santa Clara led 5-2, and kept up the pressure in the 3rd quarter. Entering the 4th quarter, the Broncos were holding on to a 7-3 lead and never looked back. LMU kept things interesting and managed to get three more goals, but Santa Clara's offense didn't stop either, and the match ended 9-6.
The Broncos were again led on offense by sophomore Jack Wall, who had three goals and two assists, and freshman Liam Farrell, who had two goals and three steals. Billy Gorin, Kevin Starry, Luke Oda and Tommy Hendrickson each contributed a goal in what was possibly the team's biggest win of the season.
With the victory, No. 18 Santa Clara improves to 11-9 on the season and is now 9-1 in WWPA play, having won six straight, and 11 of their last 12. Next Saturday, October 28th Santa Clara will again be in Davis, Calif. for the Aggie Shootout, their last tournament before the WWPA Championships which begin on November 17th in Pomona, Calif.