Using a revamped offensive strategy focused on driving, the No. 4 Stanford men’s water polo team (8-3, 2-1 Mountain Pacific Sports Federation) soundly defeated No. 8 Long Beach State 15-5 and No. 6 UCLA 7-3 on its weekend road trip.
Stanford head coach Dante Dettamanti said the Cardinal’s emphasis on driving is starting to produce results.
The offense did produce, especially in the Cardinal’s blowout of the 49ers (5-8, 1-3) Saturday at the Belmont Plaza Pool.
Ten different Stanford players scored during the match, as the 49ers surrendered a season-high 15 goals. The Cardinal also capitalized on its six-on-five man advantages by converting for seven out of nine. Stanford broke open a 2-2 first-period tie by going on a 13-3 run for the remainder of the match. Cardinal junior goalie Chris Aguilera tallied nine saves during the match. Resmini, who was substituted in during the fourth quarter, also tallied one save.
The Cardinal’s winning streak continued yesterday with a 7-3 defeat of the defending NCAA champion Bruins (6-5, 2-1) at UCLA’s Sunset Recreation Pool. Stanford jumped out to a 3-0 at halftime and refused to relinquish the lead, holding UCLA scoreless until 1 minute, 31 seconds remained in the third quarter. Aguilera registered six saves.