Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The #5 Pacific men's water polo team (2-0) opened the 2022 season with a pair of dominant victories at the Bruno Classic, hosted by Brown. The Tigers knocked off two ranked opponents, #13 California Baptist, 16-7, and #20 St. Francis Brooklyn, 22-9.
 
Senior Matthew Hosmer had seven goals on the day to lead the Tigers, who scored 38 goals on this first day of the season. Pacific got out to a fast start in both contests, holding its opponents to just two first-quarter goals and outscoring the two teams a combined 12-2 in the first quarter of the two games.
 
"We had a great start to the season, but, by no means, perfect," said Head Coach James Graham. "The guys brought energy and focus to start the season, which was especially nice to see on the defensive end. A lot of people got into the stat sheet, including Liam (Egan) who drew a few exclusions and scored on his birthday."
 
In its opening contest of the event, a powerful and balanced Pacific offense scored five goals in each of the first three quarters on the way to a 16-7 win over California Baptist. Pacific led 10-3 at intermission and pushed it to 15-5 by the end of the third quarter on the way to the season's first victory.
 
Returning All-Americans Reuel D'Souza and Bogdan Djerkovic led a list of six Tigers with two goals in the contest. Seniors Hosmer, Rene Peralta and Djordje Stanic plus sophomore Manuel Pembertty also had two tallies. Ten different Pacific players scored in the contest, including the first Pacific goal by newcomer Flynn Howarth.
 
In the second contest of the day, Pacific dominated the first half, jetting out to a 9-0 start and finishing the first half with a 12-2 lead over St. Francis (1-1). The Tigers added 10 more goals in the second half for the final 22-9 margin. The Terriers entered the contest following a win over Air Force.
 
Hosmer had five goals in this game, leading a list of four Tigers with multiple goals. Mihailo Vukazic and Peralta each had three goals. Djerkovic had two tallies for the second straight game. Thirteen Tigers accounted for the 22 goals in the second game, including the birthday tally by Liam Egan.
 
"We look forward to making improvements and staying focused on building the habitual elements we need to compete at a higher level," Graham said of the remaining two days of the Bruno Classic.
 
The Tigers have two Sunday contests in the three-day event hosted by Brown, facing #17 Fordham (1-1) at 1:15 p.m. ET/10:15 a.m. PT and Wagner (1-1) at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT. The event will wrap up Monday when the Tigers face the host #19 Brown Bears (2-1) in a 10 a.m. ET/7 a.m. PT contest.