University Southern California Trojans
No. 1 Men's Water Polo Edges UC Irvine
June 21, 1999 | Men's Water Polo
October 4, 1998
LOS ANGELES - Junior goalie Richard McEvoy had three saves from within two meters in the last two minutes of the game, including one in the final seconds of play, to keep the No. 1 USC men's water polo team undefeated with a narrow 7-6 victory over No. 6 UC Irvine at the McDonald's Swim Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Junior 2-meter man James Castle led the Trojans (9-0) in scoring with three goals on the day. The Anteaters fell to 4-4.
USC started out strong by scoring four points and shutting out UC Irvine in the first quarter. The Trojans led 5-1 at the half, but the Anteaters mounted a comeback.
UC Irvine scored four points on three goals in the third quarter, including a 2-point shot across the pool by junior goalie Genai Kerr, to close the gap to 6-5. The Anteaters scored again on freshman 2-meter man Jeff Power's goal in the first minute of the fourth quarter to tie the game at 6-6.
The Trojans took the lead for good with Castle's third goal with 3:46 left to play in the game. In the final minutes, McEvoy and USC played outstanding defense to secure the win for the Trojans.
USC next hosts California on Saturday (Oct. 10) at 1 p.m.
UCI 0 1 4 1 -- 6
USC 4 1 1 1 -- 7
UCI Goals: Ryan Bailey 2, Kevin Brantley 1, Genai Kerr 1(2-pointer), Jeff Powers 1.
USC Goals: James Castle 3, Ivan Babic 1, Johnathon Hewko 1, Marko Pintaric 1(2-pointer).
Goalie Saves: Genai Kerr (UCI) 14, Richard McEvoy (USC) 11.
