UCI Water Polo Tournament : Cal Ends Stanford’s Winning Streak and Takes Title

Kirk Everist scored five goals to lead top-ranked California to a 10-8 victory over Stanford in the final of the UC Irvine water polo tournament Sunday at Heritage Park in Irvine.

The victory snapped a 51-game, two-year winning streak for the Cardinal, the two-time defending NCAA champion.

Cal, which defeated Cal State Long Beach, 12-6, in a semifinal match Sunday morning, was helped by goalkeeper Jeff Brush with eight saves and Tom Hermstad, Rich Ambidge, Matt Biondi and brothers Luis and Ivan Ortiz, all with one goal each.

Third-ranked Stanford (6-1) was led by Andrew Lawson and Erich Fischer with two goals each.

In Sunday morning’s semifinals, Stanford defeated UC Irvine, 10-9, in overtime.

Fischer scored five goals for the Cardinal, including the game winner with 21 seconds remaining in overtime.

Irvine, ranked No. 2, defeated Long Beach, 8-4, Sunday afternoon for third place.

The Anteaters (4-2) were led by junior Tony Bell, who scored three goals in the first half to give Irvine a 5-2 halftime lead.

UCI goalkeeper Mark Maizel had 14 saves.

Seventh-ranked Long Beach (3-3) was led by Kyle Koop with two goals.