By Lindsey Boyd (@lindsboyd3):
The freshmen class will jump into the water with their new teammates on Saturday where they will either or sink or swim against rival Santa Clara University in the opening match of the season.
“Other programs we play against are redshirting their freshman and we’re playing them,” said head coach Bruce Watson. “We played them last year. We are going to play them a bunch this year. “
Last season, the Spartans barely beat the Broncos 10-9. But, SJSU has proven themselves the better team time and time again in scrimmages over the summer.
“We play them a lot during the summer and we beat them during the summer,” Watson said, “They don’t like it.”
The Broncos lost driver Graham McClone who led the team in goals, assists and steals last season, but the Spartans will still have to watch utility sophomore Mac Carey who finished second in both goals and assists for Santa Clara last season.
The Spartans have All-Conference Honor Ben Hauschild but lost driver Ivan Stefanovic who scored half of the team’s points against Santa Clara last year.
“There’s definitely a rivalry going there,” Hauschild said. “No hatred. It’s all in good fun….They got a point to prove and they are going to come thirsty.”
The SJSU vs Santa Clara rivalry will play out Saturday Aug. 2 at West Valley Community College at 2:30 p.m.