What's Happening?
The No. 16 Pepperdine men's water polo team achieved a 13-10 road victory over No. 13 Pacific in Stockton, California. This win marks Pepperdine's first triumph at Pacific since 2016 and secures the Waves the No. 4 seed in the upcoming West Coast Conference
Tournament. Pepperdine maintained a lead throughout the entire game, consistently scoring at least three goals in each quarter. Key offensive contributions came from Tyce di Pretoro, who recorded a career-high five points with two goals and three assists, along with two defensive field blocks. Hunter Danko, Alex Piccin, and Charles Warmington each added two goals, contributing to a balanced attack where nine different Waves players scored. Goalie Max Smirnov made 11 saves to secure the win. Head coach Merrill Moses praised the team's performance, highlighting their defensive effort in holding Pacific to 10 goals and the collective offensive output.
Why It's Important?
This victory is significant for Pepperdine as it not only breaks a long-standing losing streak against Pacific at their home turf but also solidifies their position in the West Coast Conference Tournament. Securing the No. 4 seed means the Waves will face fifth-seeded Santa Clara in the quarterfinals, providing a clear path forward in their championship aspirations. The consistent scoring from multiple players and strong defensive play, as noted by Coach Moses, indicates a team hitting its stride at a crucial point in the season. This performance could build momentum and confidence for the Waves as they head into postseason play, potentially impacting their standing and reputation within collegiate water polo. For the WCC, Pepperdine's consistent performance, having not finished with a losing record in conference play in its four years of existence, reinforces the competitive landscape of the league.
What's Next?
Following this victory, Pepperdine will conclude its regular season with a home game against Long Beach State on Saturday, which will also be Senior Day, held at Raleigh Runnels Memorial Pool. After the regular season finale, the Waves will prepare for the West Coast Conference Tournament. As the No. 4 seed, they are scheduled to face fifth-seeded Santa Clara in a quarterfinal matchup on Friday, November 20. The exact time for this quarterfinal game is yet to be announced. A strong performance in the tournament could lead to further advancement and potentially a bid for the NCAA Tournament, which the program has reached 13 times previously, including winning a national championship in 1997.
Beyond the Headlines
The Pepperdine water polo program has a rich history, including a national championship in 1997 with current head coach Merrill Moses as the starting goalie. The program has consistently produced All-American athletes and maintained a winning record in 37 of its 51 seasons. This recent win and the securing of a WCC Tournament seed underscore the program's ongoing commitment to excellence and its ability to compete at a high level. The emphasis on team play, with multiple goal scorers and strong defensive efforts, reflects a well-rounded program philosophy. The upcoming WCC Tournament will be a critical test, not just for this season's aspirations but also for maintaining the program's legacy of success and its standing in collegiate water polo.
