STOCKTON, Calif. – A furious comeback attempt by the top-seeded and fifth-ranked Pacific men's water polo program fell just short in a 10-9 decision against fourth-seeded and 16th-ranked Cal Baptist on Saturday in the semifinals of the West Coast Conference Tournament at the Eberhardt Aquatics Center.
 
Pacific (18-2, 6-0 WCC) trailed 10-6 with 4:43 left when it stormed back with three unanswered goals against CBU (21-12, 3-3 WCC). However, with the last goal coming with just 16 seconds left, the Tigers ran out of time in the end.
 
WCC Player of the Year Mihailo Vukazic led Pacific with a hat trick, his 12th of the season. He's recorded a team-high 63 goals on the year.
 
Graduate Stefan Vavic found the back of the net twice. WCC Newcomer of the Year Oliver Fodor, graduate Matthew Hosmer and freshmen Ori Buzaglo and Yoav Rendler each scored once.
 
In net, senior goalkeeper Bae Fountain made 10 saves.
 
The Tigers won the regular season meeting over Cal Baptist 18-13 on the road. Pacific is now 17-2 all-time against CBU.
 
Pacific won the WCC regular season title after going undefeated in the league.
 
The Tigers will now wait and see if they earned an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament on Dec. 6-8. The NCAA Selection Show is slated for 9 a.m. Monday when the bracket will be released.
 
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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).
 
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