Men’s water polo: UCI drowned by Waves

UC Irvine scored five goals in the fourth quarter, but it wasn’t

enough as the Anteaters lost to host Pepperdine, 10-7, in a nonconference

men’s water polo game Sunday.

UC Irvine took a 2-1 lead after the first quarter, but the Waves

(12-2) scored six straight goals in the second and third quarters to pull

ahead for good.

The Anteaters’ scoring drought ended with a goal by John Dorfi in the

fourth quarter. Chris Kirchwehm scored with 1:39 left in the fourth

quarter to cut Pepperdine’s lead to 8-6. But the Waves answered 13

seconds later with a goal from Jesse Smith, who had four in the game.

Pepperdine’s Filipe Pinciroli converted a four-meter penalty shot with

1:05 remaining to hinder UCI’s rally.

Corona del Mar High product Garrett Gentry and Kirchwehm each scored

two goals to lead the Anteaters (4-9), who lost their third straight

game. Dreason Barry, Dorfi and Rick Merlo each had a goal and Doug

Finfrock made 13 saves to contribute to UCI’s effort.

The Anteaters visit USC Saturday at noon.

Nonconference

Pepperdine 10, UC Irvine 7

UC Irvine 2 0 0 5 - 7

Pepperdine 1 3 3 3 - 10

UC Irvine - Gentry 2, Kirchwehm 2, Barry 1, Dorfi 1, Merlo 1. Saves -

Finfrock 13.

Pepperdine - Smith 4, Lonzo 3, Harvey 2, Pinciroli 1. Saves - Soltis

11.