UCSB’s water polo team was looking to build off an earlier win over No. 6 UC Irvine at the NorCal Tournament last weekend.
Sunday’s rematch at Campus Pool, however, did not turn out well for the fifth-ranked Gauchos (5-2). They were outplayed and lost a mistake-riddled nonconference match by the score of 11-5.
After scoring 10 goals at the NorCal Tournament, Milos Golic was shut down by the Anteaters.
With Golic held in check, the Gauchos had trouble picking up the slack with the absence of Zsombor Vincze, who was sitting out this game due to an injury.
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Irvine’s defense was solid throughout the match as it held the Gauchos to six goals under their goals per game average of 11.
UCSB created some good opportunities, but several shots rang off the goal posts. Turnovers also didn’t help matters.
The Gauchos also struggled to convert on power plays, scoring on only four of 10 chances.
Gaucho goalkeeper Fraser Bunn, survived an early onslaught of shots while making some great saves. But the persistent Anteaters’ attack was able to find open shots in the porous Gaucho defense. Bunn ended up with eight saves for the match and played well.
UC Irvine took a 4-2 lead in the first period and led 6-3 at halftime. Frustration mounted on the UCSB side as it faced four ejections in the first half.
The Anteaters put the game out of reach with five goals in the third period
UC Irvine (7-2) was able to use its backups at the beginning of the fourth period.
The Gauchos (5-2) return to action on Friday at the SoCal Tournament
