California
California Baptist
9/20/2008 12:00 PM | Men's Water Polo
Sept. 20, 2008
STOCKTON, CALIF. - The No. 1 ranked Cal men's water polo team (5-0), behind three goals from freshman newcomer Ivan Rackov (Belgrade, Serbia) and two goals apiece from redshirt freshman Cory Nasoff and junior All-American Spencer Warden, defeated No. 20 Cal Baptist, 11-4, in opening action of the NorCal Open, Saturday, Sept. 20 at the Chris Kjeldsen Pool in Stockon.
Rackov, a 6-0, 185-pound attacker, just arrived to the Berkeley campus last week after competing in the European Championships for his native Serbia. He joins fellow countryman Luka Saponjic to the Golden Bears' squad. Saponjic is a 6-4, 201-pound left-handed attacker, also from Belgrade.
Against the Lancers, Cal was also paced by sophomore goalie Jacob McIntosh, who finished with seven saves and helped Cal shut out Cal Baptist in the final two periods. Other Bear scorers included juniors Mike Sample and Thomas Pearson, and redshirt freshmen Charlie Steffens and Jack Stampfl.
Cal will next play No. 8-ranked Long Beach State at 2:40 p.m. Saturday. The 49ers, a 10-7 victor over No. 9 UC San Diego in the other morning match, are coached by former Cal All-American and U.S. Olympian Gavin Arroyo.
CALIFORNIA 11, CAL BAPTIST 4No. 20 Cal Baptist 1 3 0 0 - 4 No. 1 California 3 2 3 3 - 11
California Goals: Ivan Rackov 3, Cory Nasoff 2, Spencer Warden 2, Mike Sample, Thomas Pearson, Charlie Steffens, Jack Stampfl
California Saves: Jacob McIntosh 7
