Nov. 9, 2002

DAVIS, Calif. --- Freshman Tom Jay scored four goals while Patrick Jacobson and Brian Combs added two each to lead UC Davis to a 12-6 win over UC Santa Cruz in a men's collegiate water polo match at Hickey Pool Saturday in front of 336.

The contest served as the home opener for the Aggies, who improve to 15-11 on the season. The Banana Slugs fall to 11-10.

UCSC scored half of its goals in the second quarter. Brian King scored two of his three in that period, including a launch from beyond the seven-meter line with 3:19 remaining. He added another in the final minute to cut the Aggie lead at 7-4 entering the halftime break.

"Santa Cruz came out tough and ready to play us. I like that we matched that intensity," said Aggie head coach Steve Doten. "At times we do what we're supposed to do. There are some things we do that make us more dynamic. But we need to do a better job getting the ball to our two-meter.

"I am pleased with our defense. We rarely get beat on counterattacks this year. That's the key to holding teams down."

UC Davis countered with four unanswered goals in the third quarter, all from freshman players. Jay punched in a pair of scores in that period, while Jacobson added his first goal on a one-on-one counterattack. Conor Duignan dropped in his only goal from the two-meter position to stretch the Aggie lead to 11-4.

"It's nice to see the freshman doing a lot. Tom, Pat -- that's my future," added Doten.

Upperclassmen Jonathan Burke, Brook Rogers and George Dingeldein accounted for the other three UC Davis goals, all in the first half. Goalkeeper Zach Wordes posted nine saves in net through three quarters, before being relieved by sophomore Nick Sweetnam.

The Aggies also took advantage of eight 6-on-5 opportunities, scoring four man-up goals. Jay's fourth goal came on the heels of an ejection ­ and conduct disqualification ­ of UCSC's A.J. Olivieri.

John Shippy, Devin Gneiting and Ben Johnson each scored one goal for the Slugs while Russell Bernstein recorded nine saves in net.

UC Davis returns to action Sunday for a noon match against Santa Clara.

UC Santa Cruz (11-10)	1	3	0	2	-	6
UC Davis (15-11)	3	4	4	1	-	12

GOALS - UCSC: Brian King 3, John Shippy 1, Devin Gneiting 1, Ben Johnson 1. UC DAVIS: Tom Jay 4, Patrick Jacobson 2, Brian Combs 2, Conor Duignan 1, Jonathan Burke 1, George Dingeldein 1, Brook Rogers 1.

GOALIES - UCSC: Russell Bernstein 9. UC DAVIS: Zach Wordes 9, Nick Sweetnam 2.

 

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UC Davis Aggies Men's Water Polo

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