By Oscar Benitez (@OscarB006) – Spear Reporter l SJSU Water Polo team passing the ball around close to the opponents goal at SRAC (Photo by Max Garcia – The Spear)
The No. 8 San Jose State men’s water polo team (9-5, 3-1 WCC) had a dominant second half to defeat Pomona Pitzer (12-10, 7-0 SCIAC) 14-9 on Saturday afternoon at the Spartan Recreation and Aquatic Center.
The Spartans improved to 9-5 on the season after pulling away in the second half of a game that remained close for much of the first two quarters.
Both teams traded goals early, and neither side found consistent rhythm before halftime.
But as the second half started SJSU outscored Pomona Pitzer 6-2 in the third period, extending its lead with an energized attack.
At the break, the Spartans led 6-4 but knew they had more to give.
SJSU head coach Gabor Sarusi said the team’s halftime adjustments were focused on being efficient in front of the net.
“I told them to come out with energy and finish the shots, finish the counterattacks,” Sarusi said. “We were faster in general, and we were able to go deeper on the bench.”
That message was shown immediately once the second half started.
Sophomore driver Samu Biros led all scorers with four goals. aBehind him were junior utilityman Giancarlo Marquez and freshman utilityman Sam Keightley who each scored three times, combining with Biros for 10 of the Spartans’ 14 goals.
The trio’s efficiency in front of the cage and chemistry gave SJSU steady control as the second half unfolded.
The Spartans’ defense also locked in, limiting the Sagehens shooting throughout the rest of the game.
“The third quarter is always our best,” Biros said. “We gained confidence, communicated well, and played our game.”
Biros said the performance represented the team’s mentality when faced with a close game.
“This win gives us confidence,” Biros said. “We just need to stay brave and keep playing together.”
Keightley agreed that the locker room focus shift changed the tone of the afternoon.
“Coach Gabor told us to lock in and blow it out in the third quarter,” Keightley said. “We came out firing and put the game away.”
He said that the team’s recent stretch of victories is helping the players find rhythm and belief.
“That’s three wins in a row now,” Keightley said. “We’re building momentum, and every game gets us closer to where we want to be when the conference starts.”
The Spartans managed the clock efficiently, rotated through the bench and stayed composed through the final whistle.
Sarusi said the overall effort was another encouraging sign.
“It was a good confidence builder,” Sarusi said. “A lot of people played, and hopefully we can carry the momentum into tomorrow.”
The Spartans now turn their attention to the next matchup, as they face off with No. 5 Fordham on Oct. 26 at 9:20 a.m. at the SRAC.
