STOCKTON, Calif. – On a sunny afternoon, the #16 Pacific men's water polo team put together a strong defensive effort, but ultimately fell to #14 San Jose State, 9-7, Sunday at the Chris Kjeldsen Pool at the Douglass M. Eberhardt Aquatics Center.
 
The Tigers fall to 11-11 on the year while the Spartans improve to 8-8.
 
Graduate student Stefan Vavic led the Tigers' offense, scoring his seventh hat trick of the season. Fifth-year senior Rene Peralta and junior Gil Gvishi each added a goal, extending their season-long point streaks. Junior Ran Souva tallied his fourth multi-point performance of the year, tacking on a goal and an assist.
 
Freshman Benjamin Gronbach drew the starting assignment in goal, making six saves. Gronbach also collected the first two assists of his collegiate career, feeding Peralta and freshman Spencer Burdack on breakaway goals.
 
In an opening period that saw both teams take shots from the perimeter to test the goalies, it was the Spartans who carried a 3-1 lead after eight minutes.
 
The Tigers responded by holding their ground in the second period, not allowing a goal and scoring three times to take a 4-3 lead at halftime.
 
After the Spartans countered with a game-high five goals in the third frame, the Tigers readjusted and made some switches offensively. Pacific poured on the pressure late, coming within a goal in the final minute of regulation. San Jose State was able to run out the clock and seal the game away with an empty netter to clinch the 9-7 win.
 
The Tigers return to action for their final home game of the season against Air Force at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 3.