BERKELEY, Calif. – The No. 3 Cardinal wrapped up the regular season with a 13-9 win at No. 4 California, bringing a trophy back to The Farm after a second-straight Big Splash win. The victory gives Stanford a15-6 (2-4) to end the regular season. With the win, the Card is now 2-0 against California this season and has won five of the last six meetings.
“It was a great gritty win for the team,” said Dunlevie family director of Men’s water polo Brian Flacks. “I felt like it was the best week of training we’ve had all season and although I thought we started a little shaky, it was awesome to see our young group settle in during the second half and get a huge road win.”
The Card struck first in the opening period, taking a 4-2 lead into the first break and a 6-4 lead into halftime.
Ryan Ohl scored twice in the third period, as the Cardinal pulled away for a 10-6 lead. A pair of goals in the fourth from Botond Balogh iced the game for a 13-9 final.
Balogh finished with four goals and an assist, while Ohl contributed a hat trick. Despite not scoring, Gianpiero Di Martire posted five points – all assists.
West Temkin was heroic in the cage, making 12 saves and allowing just nine goals. Will Schneider kept the Bears off balance with three exclusions drawn, adding in a score for good measure.
Next up for the Card is the MPSF tournament, played at the friendly confines of Avery Aquatics Center.
“We’re looking forward to hosting the MPSF tournament next week and seeing what we can do in the post season,” said Flacks.
The three day tournament starts on Friday at 8:00 a.m. PT, with Penn State Behrend and Conn. College opening the slate. Stanford’s first game will be the nightcap of day one, taking on the winner of Augustana and Washington & Jefferson at 5:30 p.m. PT. All of the games will be streamed on Overnght, and tickets are on sale now.
No. 3 Stanford vs. No. 4 California
CAL 2 – 2 – 2 – 3 = 9
STAN 4 – 2 – 4 – 3 = 13
STAN Goals: B. Balogh (4), R. Ohl (3), A. Gheorghe (2), CJ Indart, M. Zelikov, B. Forer, W. Schneider
CAL Goals: Akhvlediani (4), M. Arlett (2), D. Brown, B. N. Mirkovic