Long Beach State University Athletics’ No. 6 men’s water polo team opened the MPSF Invitational with a 16-9 victory over No. 14 UC Santa Barbara on September 18, 2026, in Stanford, California. The win improved Long Beach State’s record to 7-1 while UC Santa Barbara dropped to 11-6.
The Beach took control early, capitalizing on a first-possession power play with a goal from Oliver Sudar. Marc Frigola and returning center Gabi Acosta extended the lead to 3-0 before the Gauchos scored. Acosta, a two-time Big West Player of the Year, scored five goals in his return to action and led the Long Beach State offense.
Long Beach State led 4-2 after the first quarter and expanded their lead to 7-2 by halftime with additional goals from Sudar, Frigola, and Acosta. Both teams scored five goals in the third quarter, with Corbin Stanley contributing two goals and two assists. Stanley opened the fourth quarter with a goal, increasing the lead to 13-7. William Whitstone anchored the defense with eight saves, helping Long Beach State cruise to a 16-9 victory.
Long Beach State will face No. 3 Stanford next at 12:20 p.m. on September 19 in the MPSF Invitational.
CSB Take
Long Beach State’s strong start to the MPSF Invitational, highlighted by Gabi Acosta’s impactful return, underscores the team’s offensive versatility and defensive resilience. Maintaining control throughout the match sets an encouraging tone for their season and builds momentum heading into a critical clash with No. 3 Stanford. This victory signals Long Beach State’s readiness to contend at the highest level within the conference.
Source: Original report
