GOODYEAR, Ariz. - The University of California, Merced men's water polo team lost 17-5 in the NAIA Water Polo Semifinals on Saturday morning to the host OUAZ.
The Bobcats (2-13) five goals marked the highest output of their three games in the Grand Canyon State.
Devin Verma, who was named UC Merced's Tournament MVP, scored four goals in the match. Verma finished with ten total goals across the Bobcats three games over the weekend. He has scored 69 goals in 2022.
Verma scored his first goal near the end of the first quarter to get the Bobcats on the scoreboard and shrink the deficit to three goals at 4-1. After Verma scored his second goal, OUAZ scored seven straight to take a double figure lead and pull away from the Bobcats.
Kai Etz beat the third quarter buzzer to score his first goal against a NAIA opponent. Etz, Verma and Andrew Ore also recorded a steal. Jacob Wyman finished with three steals. Omar Lopez was credited with an assist.
Ethan Chou made six saves in his third consecutive start.
Up next, UC Merced will host University of San Francisco's club water polo team for Senior Day on Sunday, November 13 at the Aquatics Center. The match is slated to start at 12:30pm.
