BERKELEY – Returning home following four straight on the road, the No. 8 California men's water polo team split its Saturday doubleheader at Spieker Aquatics Complex, falling to No. 9 Long Beach State 12-9 before downing UC Merced 25-7.

The Golden Bears (9-7) went back and forth with the Beach (13-7) in the early going, equalizing on three occasions in the opening period. Cal took its first lead with a 3-0 run in the second, catalyzed by a dominant opening half by George Avakian. Just 11 minutes into the game, the senior center had a goal to go with five drawn exclusions – including two penalties – to help Cal go into halftime leading 7-6.

Momentum swung back LBSU's way as the visitors scored the first two goals of both the third and fourth quarters to take a 10-8 edge with 6:21 remaining in the game. Redshirt junior Bende Pardi came up big to bring Cal back within one, earning a power play and scoring it himself with 3:53 left, but the final two goals of the game would belong to Long Beach.

Avakian finished with six earned exclusions, one shy of a season high. Senior Max Casabella put away a pair of goals from the penalty spot before exiting the game with his third exclusion early in the fourth. Redshirt freshman goalkeeper Riley Clansen tallied eight saves and a steal.

Cal was able to flex its depth in the second game of the day against UC Merced (1-12), pulling away early thanks to a first-quarter hat trick by William Kelly. Sophomore Carter Loth and freshman Patrik Kolak scored two goals apiece in the second quarter as the Bears went into the break up 13-4.

The home side put up seven goals in the third as numerous Bears entered the pool and got their most playing time so far this season. Goalkeeper Max LaGrange ended the period with back-to-back highlight saves right in front of goal. He finished with a career-best seven saves.

Dante Ianora registered a hat trick and Kama Morton, Itay Batito and Blake Hoover each scored twice as all four Bears found the scoresheet for the first time this year. Kelly led all players with his first five-goal outing of the year.

The Bears will be back on the road for their next game on Thursday, Oct. 17 to face Santa Clara at 5 p.m. PT.

No. 9 Long Beach State 12, No. 8 California 9
Cal 3 4 1 1 – 9
LBSU 4 2 2 4 – 12
Cal Goals: Casabella 2, Arlett, Howerton, Szatmary, Fuchslin, Pardi, Avakian, Kelly
LBSU Goals: Francisco 2, Frigola 2, Chiappini 2, Cain 2, Stanley, Diaz, Kapragkos, Stewart
Cal Saves: Riley Clansen 8
LBSU Saves: Liam Ward 13

No. 8 California 25, UC Merced 8
Cal 5 8 7 5 – 25
UCM 1 3 1 3 – 8
Cal Goals: Kelly 5, Ianora 3, Kolak 2, Morton 2, Batito 2, Hagan 2, Loth 2, Br. Hoover 2, Bl. Hoover 2 Arienti 2, Fuchslin
UCM Goals: Peterson 3, Jones 2, Bauer 2, Pezold
Cal Saves: Max LaGrange 7, Riley Clansen 1
UCM Saves: Matthew Lloyd 7, Ethan Stocker 2, Aidan Chirica 2

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