SARATOGA, Calif. - Santa Clara men's water polo put together a valiant comeback effort against one of the top teams in the nation, scoring five unanswered goals in the final period of play against No. 9 San Jose State, but ultimately was unable to pull off the upset as the Broncos fell 10-8 in Saturday's season-opener on the campus of West Valley College. 

No. 9 San Jose State (1-0) jumped out to a 10-3 lead after three quarters and it looked as if the contest was well in control, however Santa Clara (0-1) was ready to punch back in the fourth quarter. The Broncos outscored the Spartans 5-0 over the final frame as they attempted to make the big comeback. Ultimately the deficit prooved to be too much to overcome. 

Redshirt junior goalkeeper Chase Zamborelli had a busy night in the net, finishing with 11 saves and one assist.

Ford Eldredge led the way offensively for the Broncos with two goals and an assist. Cody Ferguson scored one goal of his own to go with three kick-outs while Zach Fales was credited with a pair of steals and one goal. 

Santa Clara returns to action next weekend at the Priceton Invitational in New Jersey.