Sept. 30, 2000
STANFORD, Calif. - The fifth-ranked Stanford Cardinal battled conference rival and top-ranked USC as the Trojans took away the 4-2 water polo victory on Saturday. Both teams put on an impressive defensive show in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation game at the Avery Aquatics Complex at Stanford University.
Southern California senior Stever O'Rourke tallied the only goal of the first half with 3:19 remaining in the first quarter. The Trojans halftime lead of 1-0 was nullified with a goal from junior Onno Koelman at 4:51 in the third quarter. USC junior Nenad Praporski regained the lead less than a minute later, but again Stanford rallied to tie the game on a goal by sophomore Brian Darrow with 6:07 left in the game.
Southern California sealed the game later in the fourth quarter with goals from freshman Pedrag Damjanov at 5:33 and junior Daniel Lontay at 1:30.
Both goalkeepers upheld the staunch defense - sophomore Nick Ellis tallied eight saves on the day, while Southern California's freshman Bozidar Damjanovic marked seven.
Stanford will travel to Stockton Sunday for a noon game against the University of Pacific in a non-conference match.
Stanford (5-3, 1-2 MPSF) 0 0 1 1 - 2 USC (9-0, 2-0 MPSF) 1 0 1 2 - 4
Stanford scorers: Koleman 1, Darrow 1
USC scorers: O'Rourke 1, Praporski 1, Damjanov 1, Lontay 1
Goalie saves: Ellis (S) 8, Damjonovic (USC) 7