Score: No. 3 seed UC Davis 13, No. 6 seed CSUF 11
Location: DAVIS, Calif. (Schaal Aquatics Center)
Records: UC Davis 10-13, Fullerton 11-18
The Short Story: In a weathered matchup versus the No. 6 seed Cal State Fullerton Titans, the Aggies clinched the 13-11 victory to advance past the first round of the Big West Men's Water Polo Conference Championships.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- The hosting team displayed tons of talent throughout the match, taking an early lead against the Titans in the first quarter
- Redshirt senior Tyler Mrkaich posted four goals for the Aggies, the left-handed threat proving to be a crucial scorer in the first half of the game
- Redshirt senior Holden Neach was consistent across the board, registering a goal, and assist, a drawn exclusion, and three steals
- Will Fosselman with two powerplay conversions, Thomas Kiesling with a fast arm, and Will Nomura from the center were important offensive threats as they each hammered two goals into the back of the net
- Colin Nicholls and Andrew Hitchcock added a goal apiece, and sophomore Timothy Kerr registered a game-high of three assists for the Aggies on the offensive end
- Junior goalie Frank Laptin was locked, denying nine shot attempts that came his way
- "That's tournament play for you," states head coach Dan Leyson in reference to the fourth quarter, where the Titans showed some grit and clawed their way back to the game with a close 13-11 score.
- "Something we emphasize in this program is playing good defense," says captain Holden Neach. Ringing true the game, the Aggies made eight steals, two field blocks, and held the Titans to 24 shots in the game.
UP NEXT: The Ags will take on the No. 2 seeded UC San Diego Tritons tomorrow, November 23rd at 2:00 pm, and weatherman Dan Leyson predicts that "it's gonna be wet."
