MORAGA, Calif. \u2014 The Saint Mary’s men’s water polo team is back in action this week at the BW Invitational with matches against No. 9 San Jose State and a rematch against No. 13 UC Santa Barbara. The Gaels will face the Gauchos for the second time this season after the two teams previously met in Saint Mary’s inaugural game at the Triton Invitational. Saint Mary’s battled UC Santa Barbara closely in that first meeting, falling 16-14, and will look to draw on the experience gained throughout the opening weeks of the season when the two teams meet again.<\/p>\n
GAME COVERAGE AND INFORMATION<\/p>\n
No. 20 Saint Mary’s Gaels vs. No. 9 San Jose State Spartans No. 20 Saint Mary’s Gaels vs. No. 13 UC Santa Barbara Gauchos\u00a0 GAELS OUTLOOK<\/p>\n Bigara Shines in Berkeley\u2026<\/p>\n The Gaels faced another tough test in their matchup with No. 4 Cal last week, with Noah Bigara<\/a> and Mason Black<\/a> leading the offense with three goals apiece. Bigara recorded his second consecutive hat trick and has now scored nine goals over his last four matches to bring his season total to 15. One of his three goals against the Golden Bears also earned national attention, landing at No. 2 on SportsCenter’s Top 10 Plays.<\/p>\n Depth on Display\u2026<\/p>\n Saint Mary’s showcased its depth in Saturday’s 23-4 exhibition victory over Diablo Valley College, with 15 different Gaels finding the back of the net and 18 recording at least one point. Mateo McKay<\/a> and Hugo Riley<\/a> led with hat tricks, while all three Gael goalkeepers, Federico Castrucci<\/a>, Griffin Lagsdin<\/a>, and Jake Nielsen<\/a>, saw action in the win. The all-around team effort gave the Gaels an opportunity to prepare across the roster ahead of a big week against two nationally ranked opponents.\u00a0<\/p>\n ABOUT THE SPARTANS\u00a0<\/p>\n No. 9 San Jose State enters the BW Invitational with a 6-7 record through the opening weeks of the season. The Spartans won their last match, picking up a 20-10 victory over UC Merced after dropping four straight against Stanford, UC Irvine, Long Beach State, and USC.<\/p>\n
\nSaturday, October 3 at 12:00 p.m.
\nSpartan Recreation and Aquatic Center \u2013 San Jose, Calif.
\nLIVE STATS<\/a><\/p>\n
\nSaturday, October 3 at 3:00 p.m.
\nSpartan Recreation and Aquatic Center \u2013 San Jose, Calif.\u00a0
\nLIVE STATS\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n