MWP: Big 3rd period sparks Gauchos over 49ers

LONG BEACH – Senior attacker Derek Shoemaker scored four goals, drew two ejections and had two assists, leading UCSB to a 10-7 win over Long Beach State in a MPSF men’s water polo match on Saturday.

Boris Jovanovic contributed a hat trick, a kick-out, a steal, and a field block to help the Gauchos.

After starting the game down by two, Jovanovic and Shane Hauschild rallied to tie the game halfway through the first quarter. A goal from the 49ers would put them up by one going into the second.

After an initial goal from Long Beach, Jovanovic scored his second goal of the day, followed by a goal from Shoemaker to tie the game up at the half, 4-4.

The third quarter featured a Gaucho scoring frenzy, featuring goals from Shoemaker (2), Mitch Hamilton, and Reed Cotterill, the latter two of which came from 6-on-5 plays. Their third quarter performance would send them into the final quarter with a four-point lead over the 49ers.

The final quarter featured two final scores from Long Beach, but the commanding Gaucho lead and a goal from Shoemaker in the final seconds of the game would seal their fate in a 10-7 UCSB victory.

Senior goalkeeper Chris Whitelegge tallied 14 saves and two steals for the game.

The Gauchos are back at Campus Pool tomorrow, Oct. 18, for their match against USC at 12:00.