University Southern California Trojans
USC
Princeton
No. 1 USC Tacks Up 13th Win In 11-4 Victory Over Princeton
October 10, 2008 | Men's Water Polo
Oct. 10, 2008
LOS ANGELES, CALIF. - The top-ranked USC men's water polo team surged to its 30th consecutive home victory on Friday afternoon, grabbing an 11-4 win over visiting No. 15 Princeton with another strong defensive outing. Behind eight different scorers, the Trojans also got their 13th straight win of the season, improving to 13-0 with the victory as they now turn to competition at the SoCal Tournament this weekend at Pepperdine.
Both defenses were stingy to open the game, as it wasn't until the final ticks of the first period that the Trojans would break through. Devon Borisoff delivered late off a pass from Shea Buckner to take USC ahead 1-0 on the way into the second frame. That's where the USC offense hit its stride. Jovan Vranes and Jordan Thompson bumped USC up 3-0 before Princeton got on the board at 5:48. Another Tiger goal pulled it to 3-2 USC midway through the period, but the Trojans set off on a four-goal scoring streak before the halftime buzzer sounded. Matt Sagehorn finished off a pass from Peter Kurzeka during a USC 6-on-5 to start the run, and scores from Kurzeka, Borisoff and Rappel lifted USC up 7-2 for the second half of play.
The Trojan defense shut out the Tigers in the third period while USC's Vranes and Rappel each tallied their second strikes of the day. Both Rappel's goals today came on buzzer-beaters as the lefty finished off the second and third periods with scores. Joel Dennerley took his leave from the USC goal after the third with USC up 9-2 and seven saves on the board for the freshman goalie. In the fourth period, Tyler McManigal entered the cage for the Trojans getting one save while Princeton managed an even goal and a 6-on-5 score in the frame. Trojan freshman Matthew Burton scored a 6-on-5 of his own that made it a 10-3 USC lead. Rounding out the scoring for USC on the day was Will Agramonte, who delivered in the final minute with a score that made it an 11-4 final and tallied Agramonte as the 20th Trojan to score a goal this season.
USC's next action takes them to Malibu for competition at the SoCal Tournament on Saturday and Sunday (Oct. 11-12). The Trojans have won the past five SoCal Tournament championships and open the tourney tomorrow at 8 a.m. against Pomona-Pitzer.
#1 USC 11, #15 Princeton 4
PRIN 0 - 2 - 0 - 2 -- 4
USC 1 - 6 - 2 - 2 -- 11
SCORING:
USC - Devon Borisoff 2, Jovan Vranes 2, Justin Rappel 2, Peter Kurzeka, Matt Sagehorn, Jordan Thompson, Matthew Burton, Will Agramonte.
PRIN - David de L'Arbre 2, Brendan Colgan, Matt Hudnall.
SAVES: Joel Dennerley (USC) 7, Tyler McManigal (USC) 1, Mike Merlone (PRIN) 7, Scottie Hvidt 3.
Players Mentioned
