Nov. 3, 2001
Stockton, Ca - The eleventh-ranked Pacific Tigers gave the top-ranked Stanford water polo team everything they wanted and more early as the Tigers jumped to a 3-0 lead in the first period, before ultimately succumbing 10-7 in a Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF) game on Saturday afternoon.
Pacific scored on its first possession as Jared Pendergrass sailed a shot past the right hand of Cardinal goalkeeper Nick Ellis. The Tigers scored again minutes later as Nick Hepner grabbed an errant Cardinal pass and outletted a pass to Brady Norvall for a breakaway goal. The Tigers third goal came from Hepner as he launched a shot from seven meters out.
Stanford answered back with four straight goals, including two by freshman Tony Azevedo.
Pacific tied the game at 4-4 with 3:45 of the second period. From then on, Stanford controlled the action, jumping to a 9-5 lead with 4:01 to play.
Azevedo and Jeff Nesmith each scored three goals.
Stanford now is 15-0 overall and 7-0 in the MPSF. Pacific fell to 5-11 overall and 0-7 in league play.
Sunday at noon, Stanford travels to UC Davis. The game will be played at Solano College.
Stanford (15-0, 7-0 MPSF)2422=10 Pacific (5-11, 0-7 MPSF)3112=7 Stanford scorers: Azevedo 3, Nesmith 3, Hudnut 2, Alldredge 1, Amott 1 Pacific scorers: Pendergrass 3, Hepner 2, Norvall 1, Korgensen 1 Goalie saves: Ellis (S) 6, Zavalock (UOP) 10