BERKELEY – Hosting a Thursday doubleheader at Spieker Aquatics Complex, the No. 2 California men's water polo team downed No. 16 Fordham 18-11 before defeating West Valley 24-8 in a late-afternoon exhibition.

The Golden Bears (14-3) utilized their depth in both games. Goalkeepers Kai Seed (4 saves) split time at goalkeeper with Will Kieckhafer (5) in the win over Fordham, while Nik Mirkovic scored a game-high four goals and Jake Howerton recorded his first hat trick of the year.

The Bears embarked on a 6-1 run midway through the game, sparked by back-to-back goals from Mirkovic. He and Piero Arienti later helped put the game to bed by combining for four unanswered goals in the fourth quarter to give Cal a 16-9 lead.

Mirkovic's four goals set a new season best, while Arienti notched his second multi-goal effort of the season. Brady Hoover also found the back of the net in the final minute for the first time this year.

In Cal's exhibition with West Valley shortly after, the Bears were able to find playing time for even more of the roster. Goalkeepers Max LaGrange and Xavier Casabella ended the game with seven and two saves, respectively, while Hoover was a focal point on offense adding six more goals.

On Friday, the Bears will continue their home stand against Bucknell at 2 p.m. PT.

No. 2 California 18, No. 16 Fordham 11
Cal 4 4 4 6 – 18
Fordham 4 2 2 3 – 11
Cal Goals: Nik Mirkovic 4, Jake Howerton 3, Jordi Gascon 2, Roberto Valera 2, Piero Arienti 2, Wyatt Mundelius, Marton Szatmary, Brady Hoover, William Kelly, Ryder Hagan
Fordham Goals: George Papanikolaou 3, Luca Silvestri 3, Lucas Nieto Jasny 2, Paul Armingol, Michael Rahner, Berk Oral
Cal Saves: Will Kieckhafer 5, Kai Seed 4
Fordham Saves: Thomas Lercari 12

No. 2 California 24, West Valley 8
Cal 7 7 5 5 – 24
West Valley 3 1 2 2 – 8
Cal Goals: Brady Hoover 6, Piero Arienti 3, Jake Howerton 2, Jordi Gascon 2, Marton Szatmary 2, William Kelly 2, Wyatt Mundelius, Chris Ball, Garrett Dunn, Nik Mirkovic, Carter Loth, Blake Hoover, Ryder Hagan
West Valley Goals: Berkecan Yalcin 4, Terrence O'Donnell 2, Phil Portisch, Mateja Cetkovic
Cal Saves: Max LaGrange 7, Xavier Casabella 2
West Valley Saves: Ethan Ivey 10

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