SANTA CLARA, Calif. – A back-and-forth battle just didn't go the way of the No. 4 Pacific men's water polo program in the fourth quarter as it fell 17-13 to No. 5 Fordham on Friday in a neutral site match-up at the Sullivan Aquatic Center, hosted by Santa Clara.
Â
The intense showdown featured the only two remaining undefeated programs in the country as the Tigers move to 13-1 (2-0 WCC), while the Rams improve to 18-8 (7-0 MAWPC).
Â
Senior
Mihailo Vukazic, the two-time reigning West Coast Conference Player of the Week winner, led Pacific with four goals and two assists. He's up to 49 goals (3.5 gpg) on the season.
Â
A hat trick was netted by graduate
Matthew Hosmer, his second in a row and seventh of the season. Senior
Jeremie Cote registered two goals.
Â
Aiding the attack was graduate
Stefan Vavic and senior
Reuel D'Souza. Vavic finished with a goal and two assists, while D'Souza recorded a goal and three assists. Senior
Gil Gvishi and freshman
Yoav Rendler also found the back of the net.
Â
The Tigers trailed 11-10 when Hosmer knotted it up at the very end of the third quarter after a pass from D'Souza. Though, the Rams were able to capitalize on their scoring opportunities in the fourth quarter to finish ahead.
Â
Pacific is now 2-1 all-time against Fordham.
Â
The Tigers will take the pool again tomorrow when it goes for the season sweep over No. 13 Harvard at 3:40 p.m. at the Sullivan Aquatic Center. Pacific won the first meeting 15-4 on the road on Sept. 8.
Â
Tigers Tickets
Tickets for upcoming events can be purchased through theÂ
PacificTigers.com tickets tab, or by calling the Box Office at 209-946-2474. Groups of 10 or more are eligible for a group discount and exclusive fan experiences.
Â
Stay Social
For all the latest on Pacific men's water polo, be sure to follow the team on X (
@UOPWaterPoloU), Instagram (
@pacificwaterpolo) and "like" the team's official Facebook page (
Pacific Men's Water Polo).
Â
#PacificProud
Â
