Nov. 5, 2005

Santa Barbara, Calif.- The No. 9 ranked Pacific Tigers men's water polo team recorded their first Mountain Pacific Sports Federation victory of the year, downing No. 14 UCSB 6-5. With the win, the Tigers run their record to 15-9 on the season, 1-3 in MPSF play.

The Tigers outscored the Gauchos 4-0 in the first half, and held a 6-1 lead entering the final period of play. UCSB responded with five goals in the period, but Pacific continued attacking and was able to but one more goal on the scoreboard to record the 6-5 victory.

Sophomore Dragan Bakic (Split, Croatia) led the Tigers with three goals, while junior Matt Turnbull (Act, Australia) had two in the winning effort. Senior goalkeeper Marko Popovic (Belgrade, Serbia) also had a strong showing, recording 12 saves in the game.

"Getting this win puts us in the driver's seat (for making the conference tournament)," Pacific head coach Mike Maroney said.

Pacific has a four game home stand next weekend, Nov. 12-13, to close out the 2005 home campaign, including games against No. 8 Long Beach State and No. 1 USC.

PACIFIC 3 1 2 1 -- 7

UCSB 0 0 1 5 -- 6

GOALS:

PACIFIC: Dragan Bakic 3 (37, 38, 39), Matt Turnbull 2 (31, 32), Kenny Yamamoto (20), Adam Zobler (27)

UCSB: N/A

SAVES:

PACIFIC: Marko Popovic 12

UCSB: N/A