By Marco Munoz – Spear Reporter | Spartans freshman driver Vince Biros taking a shot against the Gaels goalkeeper on Oct. 3, 2026. (Photo by Marco Munoz – Spear Photographer)
No. 9 San Jose State men’s water polo (6-8, 0-0 WCC) led No. 20 Saint Mary’s College of California (5-8, 0-0 WCC) 9-8 before the match was declared a no contest in the third period following a brawl between the two teams.
Tensions rose throughout the match before the confrontation escalated. It remains unclear what led to the brawl. Players from both teams rushed to separate those involved, while several players from both sidelines jumped into the pool, adding to the referees’ confusion.
After deliberation, the referees decided not to continue the match. Both teams separated as they walked to their respective locker rooms. Fans could be heard shouting at the referees and sharing displeasure at the match’s result.
Before the match was stopped, junior utility Samu Biros led the Spartans in scoring with 3 goals. Biros continued his dominant play that started in the first match of the BW Invitational against UC Santa Barbara, where he scored 4 goals.
The Spartans got off to a strong start, scoring multiple goals before the Gaels put one in the net.
Goals from Biros, junior driver Austin Hexter, junior driver Zach Ramans, freshman driver Vince Biros and sophomore utility Sam Keightley kept the Spartans’ momentum strong.
The Gaels, led by freshman attacker Leo Hachem, who finished with 3 goals, were able to push against the Spartans’ persistence, keeping the match close. The Spartans led 7-5 at the end of the first half.
In the second half, tensions between the teams started appearing more noticeable as players became entangled at each end of the pool.
Biros found space in front of the goal and scored two minutes into the third period.
The goal was followed by a powerful scream from Biros that was telling of the battle happening just below the surface.
Freshman driver Aron Sárfalvi led with 3 assists, followed by Biros with 2. Senior driver Mitchell Keightley and sophomore center Liam Dodunski each had 1.
The Spartans will play their first West Coast Conference game against No. 8 University of the Pacific at noon Friday at the Spartan Recreation and Aquatic Center in San Jose, Calif.
