By Alex Diaz – Spear Reporter | Junior Mateja Bosić reaching for the ball in contest with an opponent on Nov. 9 (Photo by Taylor Cowhey – Spear Photographer)
On Saturday, San Jose State men’s water polo (13-6, 2-2 WCC) lost a tense contest neck and neck with Pepperdine University (20-6, 5-0 WCC) 13-10.
The Spartans opened the match by scoring first. Junior Erik Duesund connected with senior Jamie Steingraf, finding the back of the net.
SJSU attempted to establish the rhythm, but Pepperdine responded quickly, equalizing every minute of play.
The first quarter ended at 3-3.
The Spartans followed a consistent pattern, scoring three goals every quarter except for the third where they managed only one goal.
“Our arch nemesis is the third quarter,” SJSU head coach Gabor Sarusi said.
In the last minute of the second quarter, the Waves made their presence known with fifth year Anthony D’Ambra sending a fierce shot right at Spartans net, putting the Waves up 6-5.
Pepperdine fifth year Christian Hosea delivered an impressive back-arm shot to creep up on SJSU, ending the quarter at 7-6.
“We started the game well but during the game, there was a mental block,” sophomore goalkeeper Brendon Gyapjas said.
Both redshirt freshman Bronson Birdsall and junior Adam Csapo found the back of the net for Pepperdine, pushing the lead to 9-6 over SJSU.
With 0:15 left on the clock, Spartans junior Mateja Bosic delivered a soaring shot from the back center to get SJSU closer to leading, 9-7.
At one second left of the third, Waves junior Conor Brough takes over in the cage for freshman goalkeeper Max Smirnov, slotting the ball into the net, ending the quarter 10-7
Throughout the final, it was a race to see who would gain the victory.
Waves sophomore Chase Wilson turned the tides scoring, making it 11-9 for Pepperdine.
At 1:18, Pepperdine freshman Owen Tift scored, sending a shot skimming through the water to beat the goalie, bringing the score to 13-9.
With just 50 seconds remaining in the quarter, Spartan sophomore Giancarlos Marquez marked the final goal of the quarter, making the score 13-10.
“Got to bounce back. Now we have to win all of our games.” Sarusi said.
The Spartans stayed in Southern California and won their next matchup against Loyola Marymount University 14-10 on Sunday.
Great story, great picture!! Once again you both did amazing🤩