By: Mohammad Najimi (@mnajimisjsu) – Spear Reporter | Spartans’ freshman utility Sam Keightley goes up to shoot a ball toward the opponents’ net during their 10-9 defeat to the Fordham Rams on Oct. 26. (Photo by Matt Meyer – Spear Photographer)
The fifth seeded San Jose State’s men’s water polo team is gearing up for the NCAA Tournament this weekend with momentum from a second West Coast Conference (WCC) title in three years.
The Spartans enter the national stage with experience and a balanced team effort that has made them a contender at the highest level.
SJSU’s WCC tournament success was built on teamwork, defensive discipline and timely scoring.
SJSU defeated California Baptist 15–9 in the finals, never allowing CBU to take the lead.
Senior driver Mateja Bosić emphasized the importance of team chemistry in the championship victory.
“My team, there’s nothing else to it. It was really a team effort,” Bosić said. “I was just the open guy at the end who had to put the shot away. The hardest part is creating space and finding the open man. Once my teammates did that, finishing was easy.”
Sophomore driver Samu Biros emphasized the mental approach that fueled the Spartans’ conference tournament run.
“We had momentum after the Pepperdine game. We believed we could come back four goals down and win. After that, we had the belief we could win the championship, and we were hungry for this success,” Biros said.
Spartans’ junior goalkeeper Brendon Gyapjas recorded 41 saves in the entire WCC tournament, 18 more than the second place goalkeeper.
Gyapjas also won most outstanding player for his performance during the WCC tournament.
The team also recorded 19 steals which would be second during this season’s conference tournament, behind Cal Baptist’s 21.
Biros said a strong defense is what creates offensive opportunities for the team.
“Defense was the key. If we can shut down the best players, the goals will come from counterattacks, 6-on-5s, or even regular offense,” Biros said.
SJSU head coach Gabor Sarusi praised the team’s resilience and cohesion under pressure, particularly in tight matches.
“They fought for each other. They never gave up and had huge hearts,” Sarusi said. “Anytime CBU was climbing back, we just shifted gears and kept playing harder. Our team’s unity made all the difference.”
SJSU’s combination of veteran leadership and young talent has made them a formidable presence nationally.
With Bosić, Biros and Gyapjas, the Spartans have proven they can keep their cool in high-pressure situations and capitalize on momentum shifts.
Their consistency all season has made them one of the top-ranked programs in the country.
“I’m just excited,” Biros said. “They have to take an eye on us. They shouldn’t look over us.”
The Spartans will officially open their NCAA Tournament competition in the first round against fourth seeded Fordham University at 2 p.m. on Dec. 5 at Stanford’s Avery Aquatic Center.
The two teams met earlier in the season and had a closely contested matchup with Fordham ultimately winning 10-9.
