LONG BEACH, Calif. – No. 6 Long Beach State Men’s Water Polo was defeated 12-11 by No. 12 Pacific on September 25 at the Ken Lindgren Aquatics Center. Despite holding a two-goal lead in the fourth quarter, Long Beach State could not maintain their advantage as Pacific rallied late in the game.
Pacific opened strong with a 2-0 lead in the first quarter, but Long Beach State responded with a three-goal run by Gabi Acosta, who matched his career-best with five goals and secured his fourth hat trick of the season. Corbin Stanley added three goals and two assists, marking his ninth hat trick of the year.
The game remained close throughout. Long Beach State built an 11-9 lead in the fourth quarter after a goal by Acosta and a crucial penalty save by goalie William Whitstone. However, Pacific scored three consecutive goals in the final minute to reclaim the lead and ultimately win. Attempting to tie the game in the final moments, Federico Gulisano’s shot hit the cage, sealing the loss for Long Beach State.
Other contributors for Long Beach State included Zalán Nagy, who scored two goals, and Olivér Sudár, who scored to extend the Beach’s lead to two goals in the fourth quarter. The defeat extended Pacific’s winning streak against Long Beach State to five consecutive games.
CSB Take
Long Beach State’s narrow loss despite a late lead underscores the importance of closing out games effectively, particularly on defense and in goalkeeping during critical moments. The standout offensive performances of Gabi Acosta and Corbin Stanley demonstrate the team’s scoring potential. As they prepare to face No. 4 Fordham, the Beach must address late-game execution to break Pacific’s recent dominance and strengthen their position in the top 10.
Source: Original report
