Sept. 13, 2009
Princeton Invitational Results
PRINCETON, N.J. - The No. 16 Santa Clara men's water polo team completed a successful weekend at the Princeton Invitational, going 5-0 to start the season after picking up two more wins on the final day against Harvard and George Washington.
In the morning match at 9:15 a.m. the Broncos rushed past the Crimson 18-6 with 11 different goal scorers. Santa Clara took a 3-0 lead after the first quarter and increased it to a nine-goal lead at half. Sophomore goalkeeper Michael Wishart made six blocks and added two steals and one assist before relinquishing his role to backup John Nash at half.
Harvard managed six goals in the second half, but the Bronco lead was too much to overcome, ending the game 18-6. Nash had seven blocks and one assist in the second half and senior Liam Farrell, junior Mitch Klipa, sophomore Marcus Akerland, sophomore James Case, redshirt junior Jeff Welch, freshman Jack Penner, and senior Jack Wall each tallied multiple goals.
"I was very happy with the game," said head coach Keith Wilbur. "Liam had a big game with two assists and two kick-outs drawn in addition to his goals, and the guys came out with a lot of energy and were solid all through the game. I thought Daley Meistrell also stood out with three assists and four steals"
In the afternoon match at 4:45 p.m., Santa Clara took down George Washington 17-7, completing the weekend sweep.
"I was worried after last night's emotional win about how the guys would come out today, but I was really proud of them," said Wilbur. "They came out fired up and definitely took care of business, which is a great sign for the rest of the season."
Junior Nick Poggetti shined with six goals, while his classmate Stephen Hobbs had three. Senior Mike Sorgenfrei also notched multiple goals. Farrell tallied two goals and three assists while Wall added one goal and five helpers. Wishart finished with six blocks in the game, while Nash had two in the fourth quarter.
"It was a good tournament for us," said Wilbur. "I think this is the first time we've gone to the East Coast and come out undefeated, so that's very encouraging."
The Broncos return to the Bay Area for next weekend's prestigious NorCal Tournament held at Stanford. Santa Clara will face annual power California at a time to be determined in their first match of the tournament.
| Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | F |
|
Harvard |
0 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 6 |
| No. 16 Santa Clara | 3 | 6 | 6 | 3 | 18 |
Harvard Goals: Atkinson 1, Eliot 1, Lee 1, Voith 2, DiSilvestro 1
Santa Clara Goals: Farrell 2, Meistrell 1, Klipa 2, Sorgenfrei 1, Akerland 2, Case 2, Weiss 1, Poggetti 1, Welch 2, Penner 2, Wall 2
| Period | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | F |
| George Washington | 7 | ||||
| No. 16 Santa Clara | 17 |
George Washington Goals:
Santa Clara Goals: Farrell 2, Klipa 1, Sorgenfrei 2, Soares 1, Weiss 1, Poggetti 6, Wall 1, Hobbs 3
