By: Diego Macaraeg (@DiegoMac_sports) – Spear Reporter | San Jose State senior driver Mateo Bosić rises out of the water to contest possession during a match. (Photo by Taylor Cowhey – Spear Photographer)
No. 6 San Jose State (4-1) delivered an assertive statement in its Aggie Invitational opener, overwhelming American River (4-1) 22-9.
Right out the gate, SJSU set the tone for the match, scoring six goals in the opening period while limiting ARC to just one.
The aggression carried on through as the Spartans added another six goals in each of the second and third periods, building a comfortable cushion by halftime.
Junior drivers Mael Suchet and Michael Minera spearheaded the Spartan attack with four goals apiece, while junior utility Mitchell Keightley organized the offense, serving a game-high six assists.
In spite of the daunting deficit, ARC managed some resistance with a spread of contributors, but ultimately its four game winning streak came to an end at the hands of SJSU.
The Spartans scored an additional four goals in the final period with the Beavers scoring two of its own.
In a match where SJSU had a total of 32 shots to ARC’s 25, the contrast between the team’s offensive efficiency proved to be key in the match: the Spartans shot a productive .688, while the Beavers finished at .360.
With a connected attack, precision and a suffocating defense, the Spartans displayed why they are ranked among the nation’s best.
Next up for the Aggie Invitational, SJSU aims to retain its sharp play against No. 10 UC Davis at 3 p.m. in Davis, California.
