Oct. 25, 1997
Cal Waterpolo Defeats UCLA in Overtime Thriller
PASADENA, Calif.-The No. 5 UCLA Bruins let a 4-1 halftime lead advantage slip away in an important MPSF conference match at the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center. After holding the No. 4 California Golden Bears to one goal in the first half, the Bruin defense allowed seven points, including one two-point goal, in the second half that left the game tied at 8-8 at the end of regulation. A four meter penalty goal by senior Brent Albright in the first three-minute period of overtime gave the Bears a 9-8 lead that held and closed out the game.
Going into the fourth quarter, the Bruins led 6-5 off a late third quarter goal by Steve Covec. UCLA went up 7-5 before Cal's Albright nailed a two pointer to tie the score. Senior Ramsey Ross put Cal Ahead 8-7, and Bruin Adam Wright followed to make it even again. Albright's penalty shot was the last score of the game, as the Bruins wasted a man-up opportunity and were not able to connect with the back of the net again.
California goalie Peter Kiefer saved six shots by the Bruins, and Bruin netkeeper Parsa Bonderson pulled down seven attempts. UCLA's Wright and Cal's Albright tied as the game's top scorer, with four goals apiece, including one two pointer for each player.
With the win, California's record increases to 15-4 overall, 6-1 MPSF for the season. The Bruins fall to 9-7, 2-2 in conference play.
California 1 0 4 3 1/0 - 9
UCLA 3 1 2 2 0/0 - 8
