STOCKTON, Calif. – Third-seeded and 13th-ranked San José State punched its ticket to the WCC Men's Water Polo Tournament title game after a 14-10 victory over second-seeded and 8th-ranked Pepperdine Saturday at Chris Kjeldsen Pool at Douglass M. Eberhardt Aquatics Center.
 
San José State and Pepperdine traded scoring runs in the first half. The Waves jumped out to a 3-1 lead before the Spartans roared back. Brendon Gyapjas once again was a difference maker for San José State, registering nine first half saves as the Spartans roared back to take a 8-5 lead into the break. Maro Tiozzo notched three first half goals while Jamie Steingraf put home two goals himself. The Spartans went a blistering 6-of-7 on power play opportunities, while the Waves put away 1 of their 8 chances when having the advantage.
 
In the third quarter, the Spartans and Waves kept each other at bay. Both defenses limited the chances of the opposing offenses. San José State took a 10-8 lead to the fourth quarter, and it would not relinquish it. The Spartans' execution on the power play was ultimately the difference in the contest. They capitalized on 6-of-10 chances while Pepperdine was able to convert 1 of it's 13 total chances.
 
Gyapjas saved 14 shots to help secure San José State's victory. The Spartans shot 36.8%, while Pepperdine shot 25.9%.
 
San Jose State outscored Pepperdine, 6-2, in the final frame to earn its chance at a second consecutive WCC Tournament title tomorrow. SJSU will take on the winner of Saturday's other semifinal match between Pacific and California Baptist.