Men’s water polo was pounded after an intense game against UCLA on Friday, Sept 22. The No. 7 Waves fell in the game against the No. 2 Bruins at the Bruins’ Spieker Aquatics Center.
The Waves also played two exhibition matches against the U.S. National Team and the annual alumni game Saturday.
The Waves managed to tie (3-3) during the first quarter of the game against UCLA. Senior Nathan Castillo opened the score to the Waves’ advantage in the sixth minute.
The next two quarters were less fortunate for Pepperdine, with UCLA stealing two points in the second and one point in the third. Despite the active effort to make up the lost points, the Waves finished the game without scoring again.
Seniors Andrew Milcovich, Nathan Castillo and junior Matthew DeTrane distinguished their contribution to the game by making several nettings each and by masterfully playing back to the opponent’s attacks.
Sophomore goalkeeper Bence Valics made five saves during the game, while Bruins’ Matt Rapacz and Stephen White managed to make 10 joint saves.
The men’s water polo team had a chance to learn from previous mistakes in an exhibition match against the U.S. National Team on Saturday morning.
The match was a part of the SoCal Tournament, and it served as an opportunity for the Waves to try their chances against professional players.
“It was definitely a great experience,” Milcovich said in a press release. “We all enjoyed learning from more experienced players, since many of us are planning on going pro after graduation.”
Current coach of the U.S. National Team and former Wave, Terry Schroeder, was considered one of the top collegiate water polo coaches in the nation for 20 years of his career.
The game also marked the return to the Raleigh Runnels Memorial Pool for two Pepperdine alumni who are now a part of the U.S. National Team: Merrill Moses, who graduated in 2000, and JP MacDonnell, class of 2010.
After an energetic start, the National Team quickly caught the initiative and dominated the Waves for all four quarters. At the second quarter, Spencer Hamby and Stephen Loomis both netted a goal; however, it wasn’t enough to save the game. The game was over with the Waves behind 13 points.
The goalkeeper, Bence, managed to perform 11 saves and one steal overall.
The game finished with a significant advantage on the National Team’s side (15-2).
Despite the unsuccessful attempt to step over the last obstacle in the face of the Bruins in the NorCal Tournament, Pepperdine finished with three losses and three victories overall. The Waves will have an opportunity to bounce back Thursday, Oct. 1, in the first game of SoCal Tournament at Long Beach.
