SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The No. 13-ranked Harvard University men’s water polo team took down Fresno Pacific University, 24-9, to begin the Julian Fraser Memorial Tournament in Santa Clara. Sophomore Kaleb Archer led the Crimson attack with five goals, while junior Alex Tsotadze netted four as Harvard improved to 18-2 on the season.
Harvard wasted no time in getting down to business in Santa Clara, rallying for eight goals in the first quarter – including a pair by sophomore Owen Hale. The Crimson led 8-2 after one and continued its offensive barrage into the second quarter. Sophomore Kaleb Archer and Mot Stothart both netted hat tricks before the half while junior Alex Tsotadze added two of his own. Harvard held a comfortable 15-4 lead at halftime over the Sunbirds.
First-year Tyler Zarcu took over in the third quarter, with two goals and three assists to add to the Crimson lead. Tsotadze and Archer were responsible for scoring two goals each in the frame, and Harvard went into the fourth quarter with a 23-7 lead.
Junior goalie Nathan Wu made five of his eight saves in the second half as Harvard rolled to a 24-9 victory.
Overall, Zarcu scored a hat trick while pacing the Crimson with six assists. Archer led Harvard with five goals, while Tsotadze totaled four goals and two steals.
First-year Andrej Basica tallied three assists and three steals to go along with a goal.
Harvard tied a season-high with 24 goals scored, after hitting the mark in a 24-6 season opening win over Mercyhurst University.
Release courtesy Harvard University Athletics Communications
