LONG BEACH, Calif. – The #4 Pacific men's water polo team (16-3, 1-0) defeated the #6 Long Beach State Beach (12-6, 1-1) 15-12 in a rematch of the 2021 GCC championship game, Saturday night.

"I'm really impressed with our effort and focus tonight. We controlled the game throughout and didn't let them back in," said Head Coach James Graham.

Senior Matthew Hosmer started the scoring for the Tigers only one minute into the game. Hosmer then assisted on a goal for sophomore Mihailo Vukazic to bring the Tigers up 2-0.

The Beach responded with two quick goals, but sophomore co-captain Reuel D'Souza found the back of the net to give the Tigers the lead again, 3-2.

Vukazic returned the favor on an assist to Hosmer for a goal later in the first, making it 4-2 for Pacific.

With 30 seconds left in the first, Hosmer draws an exclusion, and Pacific goes on a powerplay. D'Souza scores with 14 seconds left to make it 5-3 for the Tigers.

With 4:15 left in the second, senior co-captain Jeremie Cote gets his first for the Tigers. D'Souza is credited with the assist.

Vukazic drew a foul from a Beach with 2:18 left in the half, and with 2:10 left, Hosmer scored on the Pacific powerplay.

Senior Djordje Stanic dents the twine for Pacific for the last time in the first half, making it 8-6.

Hosmer scores his fourth with 5:02 left in the third, making the score 9-7 for Pacific.

Co-captain to co-captain. Cote assists D'Souza to make it 10-7 for the Tigers.

With 2:26 left in the third, senior Rene Peralta finds the back of the net. He's assisted by Hosmer.

Cote deposits a shot in the Long Beach State net. 12-8 Pacific. The Beach scored two goals to end the third, making it 12-10.

With 5:05 left in the game, Stanic scores his second. It's 13-11 for the Tigers.

At the 3:19 mark, Vukazic draws an exclusion and gives Pacific the man advantage. Stanic takes advantage and scores his third, assisted by Cote.

Senior Bogdan Djerkovic scored the game's final goal with 1:15 left. 

Graduate student goalkeeper Bae Fountain had nine saves in the game and a steal. Djerkovic, Cote and Vukazic each had a steal.

"Defensive urgency has been a huge focus for us, a championship habit we are instilling within our identity," said Graham. "The guys brought the urgency and competitive stamina we need to win championships."

The Tigers are back in action on Saturday, Oct. 15, at 1 p.m. as they host #11 Pepperdine for Homecoming and Family Weekend at Pacific. Tickets can be purchased here, and the game can be live-streamed here.

To stay up to date on all things Pacific men's water polo, download the Pacific Tigers Athletics mobile app and follow the team on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.