RIVERSIDE, Calif. - Santa Clara men's water polo enjoyed a big day at the Cal Baptist Invitational, scoring 35 combined goals to win both games on Saturday. The Broncos have now won three-straight and improve to 6-7 on the season.
Santa Clara 18, Austin College 9
Bennett Stafford had a career-best day in the pool, scoring four goals to lead a high-powered offensive attack that put up a season-best 18 points. The Broncos had 13 players find the back of the net in the winning effort with Chase Raisin and Dominick Kirk each scoring a pair of goals. Wyatt Stenson got the start in the net and finished with 10 saves and a pair of steals.
Tied at 5-5 after the first quarter of play, Austin College took the lead early in the second quarter and held a 7-6 advantage with 3:53 remaining in the period. However, Santa Clara had an answer by scoring four-straight to close out the half. Stafford was responsible for three of those four goals. The Broncos kept their foot on the gas, quickly stretching the lead to seven at 14-7, and continued to control the match the rest of the way.
Santa Clara 17, Cal Lutheran 11
The Broncos rode the momentum they built in game one straight into the second match of the day against Cal Lutheran. There was no shortage of offense once again as Santa Clara scored 17 points with five players scoring at least two goals. Ford Eldredge led the way with a hat trick of three goals while Cody Ferguson, Zach Fales, Jackson Westerman and Kirk all finishing with two goals apiece. Chase Zamborelli was back in the net, finishing with seven saves in the winning effort.
Santa Clara led throughout the match, holding a 3-2 advantage after one period and 8-6 at the half. There was no let down in the second half as the defense locked down and the offense continued to find the back of the net.
The Broncos have just one more road contest ahead before finally playing their first game from the comfort of home. Santa Clara will take on UC San Diego on Friday, Oct. 14, before hosting Cal Baptist on Oct. 20.
