STOCKTON, Calif. – The home opener for the #5 Pacific men's water polo team (6-1) did not disappoint Tiger fans. Pacific won an exciting 15-13 game against #3 USC (6-2).

"It's been a year and a half in the making. Last week, we had a big game against Cal at their place, and we came up just on the wrong side of it, a one goal loss in overtime," said Head Coach James Graham. "What was amazing about this group was taking what they learned that day, moving forward this week, and finding a way to win at home in our home opener against an amazing opponent like USC, number three in the nation."

Senior and Stockton native Matthew Hosmer and sophomore Mihailo Vukazic led the Tigers with four goals each. Senior co-captain Jeremie Cote had three. Senior Bogdan Djerkovic and sophomore co-captain Reuel D'Souza each had two.

"We had a big talk about keeping our composure," said Cote. "It was a crazy environment; first home game, crazy crowd, loud noises. We knew there would be some ups and downs, so our biggest goal was staying together and not losing our heads and just keep playing."

Senior Rene Peralta led the Tigers in assists with two. Vukazic and D'Souza each had one.

Hosmer and Cote each had one sprint win.

Graduate student Bae Fountain held down the defensive line for the Tigers in net with 14 saves.

"It was a lot of work for over a year, plus the adaptation that we made each game this season to get to the point of getting this win. It's a big day," said Graham.

The Tigers travel to UC Davis for the 2022 Aggie Roundup Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 17-18. The schedule for that tournament can be found here: https://pacifictigers.com/news/2022/9/16/mens-water-polo-tigers-take-on-four-opponents-in-aggie-roundup.aspx

Pacific is at home again on Saturday, Oct. 15, for a homecoming and family weekend game. The Tigers host Pepperdine at 1 p.m.

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.