SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The No. 8 UCSB men's water polo team went head-to-head with No. 12 Princeton on Sunday at Campus Pool, in a competitive matchup that brought out intense, razor sharp play from both sides. Despite the tight score throughout the game, Princeton pulled away in to win with the scoreboard reading 11-9 at the final buzzer.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The first quarter of the game started off with a bang, as the Gauchos met the Tigers with ferocity in the water. A volley of intense efforts were launched from both sides, but limited ability to capitalize kept the score low as shots rocketed over the cage and nailed the posts. However, senior Mason Chambliss found success at the net, landing a goal from the outside to put the Gauchos on the scoreboard and tie it at 1-1 midway through the opening period.
Off the second quarter whistle, both teams seemed to find their groove, as the momentum of the game charged on at lightning pace. Keeper Danny Roland denied four Princeton shots, while Sam Nangle, Ryan Brosnan, and Brock Zamian landed attacks, leaving the scoreboard to read 6-4 in favor of the visitors going into the second half.
With no room for error, the Gauchos stepped up to meet their challengers in the third quarter, streamlining their attacks with calculated fluidity. Sophomore Henry Allen was a major asset for Santa Barbara, landing two goals, while Ryan Brosnan and Dash McFarland each added a goal to the tally. Following McFarland's goal at hte 4:07 mark of the third, for the first time in the game, the Gauchos were even with the Tigers, hungry to take their first lead.
The Gauchos and the Tigers went toe-to-toe, in the final frame, drawing multiple exclusions for power plays as the clock began to dwindle. Princeton's attacks edged their advantage forward, taking a 3-1 edge over the final eight minutes and change. Despite a last ditch rush from the home team, the Tigers emerged with the victory.
Tommy Hawkins led UCSB with three assists and Roland finished with 12 saves.
NEXT UP
Santa Barbara will hit the road for its next game at No. 3 UCLA this coming Thursday, Oct. 20 at 7:00 p.m.
