By : Briannah McGee – Spear reporter | Spartans gather around Head Coach Sarusi at halftime before ending strong. (photo by Briannah McGee)
San Jose State men’s water polo (5-5) fell 17-11 to Long Beach State (8-2) Saturday at the MPSF Invitational in Palo Alto, Calif.
The Spartans scored 4 goals in the first quarter but struggled defensively as Long Beach State extended its lead throughout.
SJSU opened the game with goals from senior center Giancarlo Marquez, senior driver Mitchell Keightley, junior 2-meter line Mateja Cetkovic and sophomore utility Sam Keightley.
The Spartans remained within reach of the Beach early, but Long Beach State pulled ahead in each quarter to secure the 17-11 victory.
“I think we have the talent to beat this team. I think we can beat this team later on in the year, but we cannot commit this many mistakes,” SJSU head coach Gabor Sarusi said.
Freshman driver Vince Biros led the Spartans with 2 goals. Marquez, Mitchell Keightley, Cetkovic, Sam Keightley, junior 2-meter lineSy Lazzaroni, junior driver Austin Hexter and freshman driver Aron Sárfalvi each added 1 goal.
The Spartans recorded 25 shot attempts but struggled to consistently convert their opportunities.
The Spartans will close out the MPSF Invitational Sunday at 9:30 a.m. against No. 13 U.C. Irvine.
