So what's going on with Water Polo? The last couple games have been awfully close against opponents that aren't rated nearly as high as CAL. Today is an example.

Gosh. I don't know. <sarcasm> Maybe parity?

#3 Cal beats #17 UC Santa Barbara in Los Angeles.

Their previous two wins were over #11 UC Davis and #6 San Jose State.

Cal is now 8-0.

Geez…it's too bad you're the one that responded.

It's a good question. I was thinking the same thing. The new goalie is supposed to be internationally accomplished. Cal's integrated a ton of new players. We'll know more tomorrow and Sunday.

It's early yet. I think Pina is still acclimating. It is important to avoid bad losses which UCSB would have been. We w ill know more after tomorrow.

Two factors...many new faces, both freshmen and transfers, and it's early season when Kirk likes to experiment with lineups. It has led to surprise losses on quite a few occasions in years past, but has certainly worked out over tthe last decade. I don't know if there are any injuries, but that might be a factor...perhaps Waterbear has insight.

Regardless, even if the games have been close this year, this group has found ways to stay undefeated and that is always a good sign. Go Bears!

Kirk is playing a lot of guys right now. Didn't see the SB game so no insight there. I've seen the two exhibition games against Marseille & Barceloneta and last weekends games against UCD & SJSU. He played 18 guys in both the games last weekend, that's a lot. Tinking with different line ups. There is a ton of talent on this team. Pina is really good. He's as good as Weinberg was at this stage of his career. Also give credit to these other teams, they have some really good players.
As Kirk starts to figure this team out, minutes will shrink for some players. Once they get to this point, I think you will see the D tighten up and they will start winning these types of games more comfortably.

Love this thread...Will check back Sunday. Look forward to reading more...

The Bears easily handled LMU this morning, so we'll see tonight at 6:30pm v SC.

Cal beats USC 13-11!

Massive wins Saturday by Cal. Beat SC in Semis. Into Finals against UCLA. Would love to read commentary from waterbear + Polodad...

Did not attend the game. Was at the debacle in SD last night.

I did not attend. Best recap I have seen was from a regular poster on Water Polo Exchange site. In short this is deepest Cal team he has seen. Pina had a great game and looks as good as Weinberg at same stage. Frosh Beso is probably Cal's best player (4 goals). I would add that the D in front of Pina must have been improved on the day as Cal had 28 field blocks over 2 games.

Instant classic....
MPSF Invitational Semifinals: #2 USC ver #3 Cal

I understand UCLA has twin Superstars. Did they attend Rio Americano HS in Sacramento...?

DWM81 said:

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I understand UCLA has twin Superstars. Did they attend Rio Americano HS in Sacramento...?

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I think they're brothers from OC

There is a 6'7" frosh goalie on the roster from Rio Americano. No one else from Rio Americano.

So, who won. I can't access the website!!!!

UCLA 11 Cal 9

Crap!!

Chabbear said:

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UCLA 11 Cal 9

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The two teams meet again in Berkeley on Saturday, October 4th.

Go Bears!!

Sportsfanatic107 said:

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Instant classic....
MPSF Invitational Semifinals: #2 USC ver #3 Cal

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Thanks for posting!