Seventh-seeded UCSB used a four-goal fourth quarter to blow open a 4-4 deadlock and advance to Sunday’s fifth-place game with an 8-5 win over No. 6 seeded Pacific at the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Championship at Stanford’s Avery Aquatic Center.
The teams traded goals over the first half, playing to a 2-2 tie. UCSB scored the first two goals of the second half to go up 4-2 in the third quarter before Pacific struck with two of its own to tie the game at 4-4 heading into the fourth quarter.
The Gauchos (12-11) opened the fourth frame with three straight goals, two which came from Matt Gronow, to stretch their lead to 7-4. Pacific was unable to overcome the deficit.
Gronow, Lazar Komadinic and Brian Shoemaker each scored two goals to lead the Gauchos to the win. In goal, Fraser Bunn posted 12 saves.
With the win, UCSB advances to Sunday’s fifth-place game against fifth-seeded UC Irvine. The Gauchos and Anteaters have met four times already this season. UCSB won the first pairing, 10-9, on Sept. 19, but UCI has won the three most recent.
