BERKELEY, Calif. — The No. 12-ranked Princeton University men’s water polo team dropped a hard-fought decision to the No. 2 University of California Golden Bears, 15-11, at the Spieker Aquatics Complex.
The first quarter was a fast-paced affair with eight total goals. Cal’s Garrett Dunn‘s tally with 14 seconds left tied the score at four-all.
Cal kept its run going with the first two goals of the second frame to jump in front, 6-4. Princeton got within one twice, but Cal held an 8-6 advantage at the break.
This time it was Princeton’s turn to go on a run, getting goals from Mitchell Cooper, Joan Coloma and George Caras to go ahead, 9-8. Mason Killion‘s tally gave head coach Dustin Litvak‘s squad a 10-9 advantage after 24 minutes.
After a Cal goal, Roko Pozaric put the Tigers back on top with 6:11 to go. Cal countered 26 seconds later.
Two goals by the Bears over a minute stretch set the score at 13-11 as the clock ticked near two minutes remaining. California added a pair of insurance tallies in the closing moments to wrap up the scoring and avoid a near upset.
Caras led the way for Princeton with three goals, while Keller Maloney, Cooper and Coloma added pairs. Billy Motherway took the loss with six saves.
Information courtesy Princeton University Athletics Communications
