By Jessica Jimenez — Staff Writer
San Jose State men’s water polo (3-10) hosted UC Berkeley (10-5) for their home opener at the new Spartan Aquatic and Recreation Center on Saturday afternoon.
The Spartans went into double-overtime, but ultimately fell to the Bears, 10-8.
“This was a great home opener after four years of not playing here,” said Head Coach Bruce Watson. “We had student support, fans with family and the guys played really hard.”
The No. 6 Bears were the first ones up on the scoreboard and right before the period ended SJSU sophomore driver Adam Bado hit the back of the net on a powerplay.
With a two-goal deficit, the Spartans returned ready to catch up to Cal.
Over a minute into play in the second, junior driver Justin Pickering egg-beattered his way high scoring a goal for the Spartans.
Sophomore driver Neil Arnett faked a pass and scored on freshman Cal goalie Adrian Weinberg on another powerplay for SJSU.
With just under three minutes left of play, SJSU sophomore utility player Brad Dennis and Ary Kamen scored back-to-back goals.
As the crowd continued cheering at the SRAC, Pickering put up another goal tying up the score 6-6.
Offensively, the Bears quickly regained their lead to end the third period 8-6.
Sophomore 2-meter defender Niels Hofmeijer strong-shot the ball on a powerplay goal inching close to the Bears once again.
“I scored the goal that made a one-goal difference,” said Hofmeijer. “It was with also great effort from the team and not just only me that scored, the team effort overall was super good.”
Holding on to a one-goal deficit, Bado put one in for the Spartans with 18-seconds left of the fourth period sending the game into overtime.
SJSU fell to the Bears in a double-overtime ending the game 10-8.
The team remains optimistic going into next weekend’s game against Pepperdine.
“We need to keep being hyped up and just enjoy the game,” said Marc Weber. “Everyone wanted to play today and if we keep it up for next week’s game then I think we will have a real shot.”
The Spartans will host Pepperdine University at the SRAC for a 12 p.m. match-up.
Follow Jessica on Twitter @jessicajim06