SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – After a 13-10 win in the semifinals, the #7 Pacific men's water polo team is headed to the 2022 GCC Championship game for the second year in a row, at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 20.

"This was a team effort," said Head Coach James Graham. "Everybody got in there and contributed in one way or another, so that was big for us in this semifinal to be able to make sure that we can run all of our guys, that everybody was finding a way to help out and put us into the championship game."

In the semifinals, the Tigers defeated the #13 UC Irvine Anteaters.

"I thought we played with a lot of composure and urgency, composure on offense and urgency on defense," said Graham. "I thought our intensity was right where we wanted it to be. I'm excited about where these guys are at right now, and I'm looking forward to tomorrow. I think it's going to be an exciting game."

Sophomore co-captain Reuel D'Souza led the Tigers, finding the back of the net five times. Senior Bogdan Djerkovic was right behind him with four goals. Sophomore Mihailo Vukazic netted three for the Tigers, including a penalty shot and senior Rene Peralta dented the twine once for Pacific's final goal of the night.

Senior co-captain Jeremie Cote led the team in assists with three. Senior Djordje Stanic, Vukazic, senior Matthew Hosmer and D'Souza each had one assist for Pacific.

Djerkovic had four drawn exclusions for the Tigers, leading the team. Cote and D'Souza each had a drawn exclusion as well.

Cote, Vukazic and D'Souza each had two steals to keep the ball with the Tigers. Djerkovic, Peralta, junior Flynn Howarth and graduate student goalkeeper Bae Fountain each had one.

Fountain had 12 saves in the game for a 54.5 percent save percentage.

"We always come in with a game plan, said Fountain. "Our game plan tonight; we knew who the shooters were. At the start of the game, we were slacking on who their shooters were. We knew who they were, but we weren't getting to them. Then towards the end, we started making real big plays, stopping their good shooters. From then, that's when I can excel."

Stanic and Peralta each had a field block, making big plays for the Tigers. Fountain said the other six players before him deserve all the credit.

"These guys are awesome. As soon as they start making blocks and getting steals, I play so much better. I just get amped," said Fountain. "You won't hear me scream after I make a block, but after we get a steal, I will yell as loud as possible."

In a rematch of last year's championship game, the Tigers will face the #6 Long Beach State Beach for the title on Sunday.

The two teams shared the 2022 regular season title, both finishing the season 4-1 in conference play, but the Tigers took the #1 seed in the tournament.

The Tigers have defeated the Beach twice this season; once at the MPSF Invite, 13-10 and once in conference play, 15-12.

Pacific has a 25-10 overall record against the Beach since 2005.

"I hope everybody's able to either come on out, tune in, or show up to the Lair and cheer us on at the watch party," said Graham. "Thank you, everybody, for your support."

2022 GCC Championship Game Information

Opponent: #6 Long Beach State
Time: 1 p.m. PT
Location: UC Santa Barbara
Live Stream: https://vimeo.com/event/2609364
Live Stats: https://www.thefosh.net/live/13853

Pacific will hold another campus watch party at the DeRosa University Center Lair. It's free to attend.

"Tune in. Watch it. It's going to be awesome," said Fountain. "Please watch, support us and 'Aroha' to all the people back home. Thank you."