SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Santa Clara men's water polo got off to a strong start in its final home conference game of the season, but had to fend off a late challenge to come away with a victory.
Shane Hughes posted three goals and Mac Carey scored twice and tallied three assists to help lead the Broncos to a 15-11 win against Air Force on Sunday.
Dominick Kirk, Jack Rottman and Adam Low added two goals each for Santa Clara (13-11, 2-5) which recognized its seven-member senior class prior to the start of the Western Water Polo Association contest.
Mike Miller had five goals and Grant Snyder added three for the Falcons (10-16, 1-6) who rallied from nine down to pull within three in the fourth quarter.
Santa Clara scored six of the first seven goals of the game and the lead grew to 13-4 on Carey's exclusion goal with 30 seconds left in the third quarter.
But Miller helped spark the rally. He had three of the team's four goals in the opening three minutes of the fourth. Gavin Jones then scored with 3:07 left and when Miller added a goal 25 seconds later the Falcons were within 14-11.
However, the Broncos found just enough defense and a late insurance goal from senior Luca Pagano to extinguish the rally.
Sean Tehaney went the distance in net for the Broncos, turning aside nine shots to claim the win.
SENIOR DAY
Prior to the contest, the team recognized its senior class of Mac Carey, Keaton Fox, Shane Hughes, Patrick Kirk, Nate Miller, Luca Pagano and Ryan Werner.
NOTES
• Ryan Werner, Patrick Kirk, Jack Rottman, Adam Low, Shane Hughes and Mac Carey made the start. That same group has started the last 16 contests.
• In addition to three goals, Hughes had two assists and a career-high tying five steals. He had the same number against Air Force in 2016 as a freshman.
• Jake Taylor had one goal and a career-best three assists. Adam Low's three assists were also a career best.
NEXT UP
The Broncos play their final game of the regular season on Wednesday when San Jose State visits Sullivan Aquatic. Game time is 4 p.m. (changed from 4:30 p.m.).
Connect with the Broncos on Social Media
• Athletics: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
• Men's Water Polo: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
