Freshman attacker Owen Tift blocks a shot from a Pacific player, leading to an exclusion foul at 4:39 in the first quarter at Raleigh Runnels Memorial Pool on Oct. 17. The play set the tone for an intense matchup, as both teams battled for control early in the game. Photos by Ava Walton
The No. 8 Pepperdine Waves Men’s Water Polo team (10-8 overall, 0-2 WCC) faced a spirited and exceptionally close match against the No. 14 Pacific Tigers, ultimately falling short in a 13-12 final score at Raleigh Runnels Memorial Pool on Oct. 17.
“It was nice to see the team come back,” Head Coach Merrill Moses said. “We fought hard, and even though it wasn’t our best shooting day, we proved we can break down tough defenses and keep pushing until the end.”
Pepperdine began the first quarter with positive momentum. Junior utility Jon Carcarey scored within the first nine minutes to take the early lead.
“Every quarter we gave it our all, and even in a one-goal loss, the team showed heart and determination,” Carcarey said.
Pacific quickly answered with two goals, but Pepperdine maintained a strong performance as graduate attacker Dane Howell and freshman utility player Csanád Bella each added a goal. The quarter ended with Pacific slightly ahead, 4–3, after a last-second score.
Showing confidence from the start, Carcarey set the tone for Pepperdine’s early energy on offense, using his strength and composure to create scoring opportunities. He said his personal strength was a key part of his success early in the game.
“Having the confidence just to keep going out there and shooting and trusting that it’s going to go in at some point,” Carcarey said.
The second quarter started with Pepperdine winning the sprint, though no shots were taken. Pacific scored twice to extend their advantage, leading 6-3.
Pepperdine showed good composure, and a minor foul by Pacific led to a goal from graduate center Matty Walsh, which brought them up by one to make the score 6-4. Though Pacific got one back leading to 7-4, Carcarey quickly answered, narrowing the gap to 7-5 before the half.
In the third quarter, Pacific appeared to control possession and collect more steals than in previous periods, finishing the game with an 8–3 advantage in steals over Pepperdine.
Moses said Pacific’s defense made things difficult for the Waves.
“UOP [University of the Pacific] has a different defense where they’re in a full zone defense,” Moses said.
Sophomore attacker Erik Ionescu prepares to shoot against No. 14 Pacific at Raleigh Runnels Memorial Pool on Oct. 17. Ionescu scored in the second half as the Waves fell 13–12 in a tightly contested match.
Despite this pressure, the Waves’ strong teamwork kept them close. Carcarey scored again, making it 8-6.
As Pacific scored once more, freshman center Adam Blum responded, and then sophomore attacker Erik Ionescu fired a goal, cutting the lead to 10-8 in the final 30 seconds of the period. Walsh credited this late drive to the team’s spirit.
“Our strengths were even when we were down, we didn’t give up on our energy,” Walsh said.
The dramatic fourth quarter started with a strong push from Pepperdine. Walsh scored quickly, followed by a sequence where Carcarey scored off a long pass, tying the game at 10-10. Pacific immediately felt the heat and scored a long shot, regaining the lead 11-10.
Pacific extended their lead again, but the Waves rallied once more with a goal by Ionescu, followed by a final goal from senior attacker Sandor Gal with only 0.4 seconds left on the clock. This effort brought the Waves within one, 13-12, before time ran out.
The narrow finish led to reflections on consistency from the team. Carcarey credited his team for fighting back but said they couldn’t overcome the early difficulties.
“8-10 in the fourth quarter to tie it up, we kept it close, but we just couldn’t finish strong,” Carcarey said.
Moving forward, the team is focused on starting games stronger, which Carcarey said they will work on in practice.
Walsh said the team will also work on their offensive composure.
“Learn how to be patient with the ball more on offense,” Walsh said.
Meanwhile, Moses said the team will learn from the tough contest.
“Pacific is a good team.” Moses said. “I think everyone in our conference, the WCC, can beat anyone, and we’re going to learn from our mistakes and look forward towards Air Force on Sunday,”.
The Waves took down Air Force on Oct. 19 18–14. After a tough 17–14 overtime loss to No. 8 San Jose State on Oct. 24, they bounced back at the Julian Fraser Memorial Tournament, falling just short to No. 19 Harvard, 16–15, before cruising past UC Merced 25-9, according to Pepperdine Athletics.
Back in Malibu, the Waves carried their momentum with a 12–10 win over No. 15 UC Irvine and a dominant 21–10 victory against CSU Fullerton. They looked to maintain that energy heading into Senior Day on Nov. 8 against No. 14 Loyola Marymount and they delivered, winning 15-8.
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Contact Amy Ruiz Vasquez by email: amy.ruiz@pepperdine.edu
