Nov. 14, 2004

STOCKTON, CA - Behind a pair of key goals from freshman Michael Sharf, the No. 4-ranked California men's water polo team (18-8, 3-5) withstood a threat from No. 16-ranked Pacific (7-15, 0-8), winning 11-10, Sunday at Chris Kjeldsen Pool in Stockton. The Golden Bears were also led by sophomore Brian Kinsel's three goals, and two goals from sophomore John Mann. Junior goalie Nate Bennett finished with seven saves.

With 3:50 to go in the match, Pacific, which had trailed throughout the contest, tied the score at 9-9 when Andy Skora netted a goal on a counter attack. Cal came back on the next possession and regained the lead on Sharf's goal for a 10-9 advantage. The Tigers tallied another goal from Skora to knot the match at 10-10 with 1:46 to go in the game.

The Bears answered back 22 seconds later with an outside shot from Sharf to take back the lead at 11-10 with 1:24 left. Cal was then able to hold Pacific on its next possession for the final 11-10 margin.

The Bears will next host its Bay Area rival Stanford, as Cal hosts the Cardinal in the annual Big Splash, Saturday, Nov. 20 at 10 a.m. at Spieker Aquatics Complex.

Teams 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q Total
Cal 3 3 2 3 11
Pacific 1 4 2 3 10
Goals Scored:
Pacific: Bakic 3, Zobler 3, Skora2, Turnbull,
W. McLaughlin,
Cal: Kinsel 3, Sharf 2, Mann 2, Bacharach,
Platshon, Tyrrell, Monsees
Goalie Saves:
Pacific: 9 (Marko Popovic 9)
Cal: 7 (Nate Bennett 7)