Sept. 20, 2003

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. - The Santa Clara University men's water polo team defeated Division III second-ranked UC Santa Cruz 8-4 this evening at the Slugs' East Field House. The victory improves the Broncos to 4-2 on the season.

"This was our best game so far this season," head coach Keith Wilbur said. "We played well all four quarters against a good UCSC team, and at their place. I'm very happy."

Despite being heavily marked the entire match senior Dan Figoni scored two goals to lead SCU, but Wilbur said he was especially pleased with the way the rest of the team members stepped up, with six players tallying one score each: Whit Gilfillan, Kevin Starry, Mark Oda, Kenny Flanagan-De La Hoz, Austin Brizgys and Grant Allison. Flanagan-De La Hoz added four steals and three assists in an all-around performance.

The Bronco defense was led by goalkeeper Peter Moore, who notched 10 saves and one steal.

Wilbur added that the team's improvement in kick outs, over last weekend's performances, helped the Broncos win, as Santa Clara had 14 man-up opportunities compared to the Slugs' five.

Santa Clara's match against Cal Maritime, scheduled for earlier today, was cancelled on Friday.

The Broncos remain at UC Santa Cruz's East Field House for one more match on Sunday, against Division III No. 6 La Verne at 10 a.m. These two teams just faced each other last weekend at the Inland Empire Classic and saw the Broncos earn a close 8-6 victory.