No. 17 Broncos Water Polo Falls to No. 3 Stanford

Charlie Kosinski ’27 (6) is pressured by Stanford’s Ryan Ohi (2). (Nina Glick/The Santa Clara)

No. 17 Santa Clara University Men’s Water Polo fell 17-9 to No. 3 Stanford on Wednesday, despite multiple goal performances from several Broncos and a spirited effort in front of their home crowd.

The matchup kicked off with a fast-paced exchange of shots from both teams, but Stanford took a 2-0 advantage early in the first period, implementing an aggressive defensive press on the Bronco squad. Santa Clara was able to rally back, however, with a goal apiece from Riccardo De Simon ’28 and Ashton Brown ’29 to cut the score to 3-2 Stanford. The Bronco crowd was letting their home team hear it as the Broncos’ rally brought new energy into the Sullivan Aquatic Center.

Riccardo De Simon (21) shoots to score during the first period. (Nina Glick/The Santa Clara)

Stanford was able to weather the storm, however, and went on to score six straight goals, on their way to a 9-2 advantage with around five minutes left in the second period. Halftime closed with Stanford leading with an 11-3 advantage, further fueled by their unrelenting defensive press.

Despite the deficit they faced at the break, the Broncos had a strong showing in the third period, outscoring Stanford 4-3 to cut the deficit to 14-7. Henry Engs ’28 led the way for the Broncos with a hat-trick performance, with two of his goals sparking the Broncos’ four-goal third period.

Reese Jenican ’26 (9) celebrates after scoring at the end of the third period. (Nina Glick/The Santa Clara)

Additionally, Brown and Thomas Wisdom ’28 each had two goals on the night. It wouldn’t be enough, however, as Stanford was able to close the door with a pair of early scores in the fourth period. 

Santa Clara will host Pepperdine at 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14, as the Broncos look to build on their bounce-back 18–16 victory over Air Force last Saturday.