STOCKTON, Calif. – Jumping out to a 13-3 halftime lead, the 17th-ranked Pacific men's water polo program came out hot in the West Coast Conference opener Thursday in a 21-12 victory over Air Force at the Eberhardt Aquatics Center.
 
It was the first of six conference games for the Tigers (7-4, 1-0 WCC), who are on a quest to defend their regular season championship from last year. Pacific has won seven consecutive conference games dating back to last season.
 
The first goal of the game came from sophomore Ori Buzaglo. After Air Force (13-6, 0-1 WCC) tied it 1-1, Pacific answered with a 4-0 run to leap ahead 5-1 on a goal by freshman Petar Popovic.
 
The Tigers turned in a huge second quarter where they outscored the Falcons 8-1. It included three goals from freshman Apostolos Georgaras.
 
For the match, 10 different Tigers scored a goal including a team-high four from both Georgaras and fellow freshman Borisz Kasa-Gal. Popovic registered a hat trick and four assists, while junior Noah Wendt and Buzaglo netted two apiece.
 
In net, freshman Kiss Gergely recorded seven saves and three steals in three quarters. Junior Benjamin Gronbach entered in relief in the fourth.
 
Air Force, coached by Pacific alumnus and former goalkeeper Ryan Brown '00, was led by Tom Leggett's six goals. Leggett led the nation last year in both goals (143) and points (183).
 
Pacific improved to 23-3 all-time against Air Force and has won seven consecutive meetings. The Tigers have won six straight meetings in Stockton dating back to 1995.
 
Pacific will close out the weekend with another WCC match-up when it travels to No. 15 Santa Clara for a 12 p.m. game Sunday. The Tigers lead the all-time series 34-3 and have won 16 of the last 17 meetings including a 13-5 victory last season.
 
Tigers Tickets
Tickets for upcoming events can be purchased through the 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.
 
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).
 
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