Sept. 27, 2003

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. - The Santa Clara University men's water polo team fell to Division III-tNo. 6 Claremont 5-4 this morning in continuing action at the Slugfest Invitational, hosted by UC Santa Cruz at its East Field House.

The loss ended a four-match winning streak and moves the Broncos' record to 7-3 on the season.

The Broncos owned a 4-2 lead at the half as both teams played through a scoreless third quarter. Claremont netted three quick goals to start the fourth period and take its first lead of the match. Santa Clara barred out three times in the frame and had a man-up situation in the final seconds, but could not convert.

Whit Gilfillan led the Broncos with two goals, while Kenny Flanagan-De La Hoz and Austin Brizgys had one each. Flanagan-De La Hoz drew five kick outs and added four steals to his all-around performance. Kevin Starry also posted four steals.

"We never put them out of the game," head coach Keith Wilbur said. "Defensively speaking, only allowing four or five goals should be enough to win a match, but we couldn't convert our opportunities on the offensive end."

Santa Clara plays Division III top-ranked Redlands this afternoon at 4:10 p.m. and closes out the Invitational with two matches on Sunday: against 15th-ranked U.S. Air Force Academy at 9:05 a.m. and against Division III sixth-ranked Pomona-Pitzer at 3:35 p.m.