PALO ALTO — Sixth-ranked UCSB fell short against No. 4 Stanford, 11-8, in a MPSF men’s water polo match on Saturday.
Falling to an early 1-0 deficit, UCSB (16-7, 3-3) fired back with two unanswered goals from junior standouts Derek Shoemaker and Eric Van de Mortel.
The Cardinal (14-4, 3-1) stepped up its play in the second period; scoring six goals in the period. In a four minute stretch, Stanford scored three unanswered goals that increased its lead to 6-3. The Gauchos tallied two more goals by the end of the first half.
Facing an 8-4 deficit, UCSB outscorED the Cardinals in the third period with goals from Kevin Cappon and Eric Van de Mortel.
The Gauchos were able to cut the deficit to two goals from a 4:25 goal by sophomore Matthew Hamilton. Despite the late surge, UCSB was unable to complete the comeback as the team lost a close game by the final score of 11-8.
