Sunday sweep — water polo defeats two top-20 opponents

By Kellen Concentine — Staff Writer

San Jose State men’s water polo (7-13, 1-1 GCC) secured not one, but two victories Sunday against No. 18 St. Francis 12-7 and No. 15 Bucknell 11-10. 

During the first match against St. Francis, the Terriers came out aggressive with an early goal from junior driver Ivan Stefanovic. 

The Spartans answered back with a goal of their own. Both teams were able to score in bunches, with a score of 8-7 at the end of the third.

The momentum took a turn for SJSU in the fourth, scoring four goals while holding the Terriers to none for a final score of 12-7. 

Sophomore goalkeeper Yahav Fire, Golden Coast Conference Player of the Week, was a key factor to the defensive play from the Spartans. He saved 13 shots against St. Francis before saving 15 vs. Bucknell.

The Spartans were able to keep this momentum in their second game against Bucknell. 

After an early goal by freshman attacker Ethan Koch, SJSU took a commanding 5-0 lead.

The Bisons came out the half with a new energy, scoring four unanswered goals. The Spartans were unable to score in the third period.

Bucknell gave up their lead but forced overtime. 

The Bisons scored late goals in the first two overtime periods, but fell short in the third. The Spartans pulled off the victory with a Finn Pardon goal in the sudden-death third overtime.

The Spartans next match  is against Pepperdine in Malibu on Nov 2. 

Follow Kellen on Twitter @KC_Journalism

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