SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Freshman Ivan Stefanovic scored five goals, including the eventual game-winner with less than five minutes left, to lead San Jose State to a 10-9 victory over Santa Clara men's water polo in Saturday afternoon's season opener for both schools.
The Spartans snapped an 8-all tie, the fourth of the contest, with back-to-back goals from freshman Ben Hauschild and Stefanovic midway through the final quarter. Stefanovic's even-strength strike from just outside five meters occurred with 4:11 left.
Graham McClone led the offensive attack for Santa Clara with a team-high four goals. His final tally came with the man advantage with 1:54 on the clock, cutting the deficit to 10-9.
The Broncos had a chance to tie in the final minute, earning an ejection from San Jose State with 30 seconds left. But the Spartans forced a turnover with 11 seconds remaining and ran out the clock.
"You never know what to expect until you actually play another team," Santa Clara head coach Keith Wilbur said. "It was a good, close game. I think there was a lot of back and forth and we battled all the way through which is good, but it's always tough to lose a one-goal game."
VIDEO | @SCUPolo's First Goal of the Season — Garrat Johnson from Dane Estrella #StampedeTogether #SCUBroncos pic.twitter.com/iEqt5MpFOl
— Santa Clara Broncos (@SCUBroncos) September 4, 2016
DeMarco Orella was the only other Bronco to score more than once, hitting the back of the net twice.
The Broncos connected on both of their 5-meter attempts, but were 1-for-6 with the man advantage. San Jose State scored on 2 of 4 ejections.
"A big factor is our shooting," Wilbur said. "We created a lot of opportunities but we didn't put our shots away."
Freshman Luka Scepanovic had two of his three goals in the first period to help the Spartans jump out to a 3-1 lead, but the Broncos scored four of the next five.
Orella's first goal at the 4:29 mark of the second period gave the Broncos a 5-4 lead, their only advantage of the game.
The Spartans scored the next three goals, but back-to-back markers from Orella and McClone knotted the game at 7-all midway through the third quarter.
Freshman goalie Keaton Fox came up with some keys saves in his first career appearance. Fox posted eight blocks.
Reilley May drew three kickouts and McClone two.
The Broncos have four games on tap at next week's Princeton Invitational. They open the three-day tournament Friday, facing Iona.
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