BERKELEY – The No. 2 California men's water polo team won its third straight home game Friday against Bucknell, jumping out to a double digit lead in the first half en route to a 23-4 victory.

After initially taking a 5-0 first-quarter advantage, the Golden Bears (14-3) outscored the Bison (10-9) 8-1 in the second period and led 14-2 at halftime. Max Casabella was one of four Bears with multiple first-half goals, securing his team-leading ninth hat trick in the second quarter. Roberto Valera ended the day with a team-high four goals, marking his third four-goal performance of the year.

Will Kieckhafer and Kai Seed split time at goalkeeper for the second straight day, finishing with five saves apiece. Kieckhafer also added a pair of steals.

The 23 goals tied a season best for the Bears. Jordi Gascon and Marci Szatmary recorded their third and second hat tricks of the year, respectively. Jake Howerton and Albert Ponferrada added two goals each.

The Bears close out their nonconference schedule Saturday in their second doubleheader of the week. Cal hosts No. 8 Long Beach State at 12 pm. PT and UC Merced at 2:30 p.m.
 

No. 2 California 23, Bucknell 4
Cal 6 8 5 4 – 23
Bucknell 1 1 2 0 – 4
Cal Goals: Roberto Valera 4, Max Casabella 3, Jordi Gascon 3, Marci Szatmary 3, Albert Ponferrada 2, Jake Howerton 2, Warren Loth, Jake Stone, Carter Loth, Brady Hoover, William Kelly, Ryder Hagan
Bucknell Goals: Matt Ryckman, Walker Butler, Gregory Alexander Nordheim, Hasan Mogultay
Cal Saves: Will Kieckhafer 5, Kai Seed 5
Bucknell Saves: David Dumitru 9, Mateo Herrera 4

No. 2 Cal leads Bucknell 14-2 at the half.#GoBears ?? pic.twitter.com/jFoCbVO44q

— Cal Water Polo (@CalWaterPolo) October 20, 2023

STAY POSTED
For further coverage of Cal men's water polo, follow the Bears on Twitter (@CalWaterPolo) and Instagram (@calmwaterpolo).