By Austin Turner
The San Jose State men’s water polo team will open the season on Saturday when it takes on UC Davis at the West Valley College Aquatic Center.
This marks the first matchup between the two sides since last September, when Davis defeated SJSU 11-5.
The matchup pits two top-15 teams against each other as the 11th ranked Aggies travel to San Jose to battle the 15th ranked Spartans. The Aggies will bring a 3-2 record to San Jose, while the Spartans look to start the season with a win.
Junior Finn Pardon will likely be taking control of the offense this season with the absence of Jacob Mercep, who transferred to USC in the offseason.
Mercep led the Spartans in goals with 93 in 2017, and his transfer leaves a massive hole in SJSU’s attack. Pardon, who scored 34 goals a season ago, will need to step up in Mercep’s spot and replace the explosive goal-scoring ability that the Spartans desperately need.
A strong attack will be needed for SJSU to defeat the Aggies. The UC Davis offense is averaging 15.8 goals per game through five matches.
Luckily for the Spartans, they will have stability at the goalkeeper position, as junior Todd Palmer returns in net. Palmer played in 25 games last season while averaging 11.6 goals allowed per game and a .408 save percentage.
The match is set for 4 p.m.
Follow Austin on Twitter @AustinTurnt
