News Summary
Long Beach State University (LBSU) secured a dramatic seventh-place finish at the Overnight MPSF Invitational by defeating No. 13 Loyola Marymount (LMU) 12-11. The match saw junior Marc Frigola score the game-winning goal with just 15 seconds left on the clock. LBSU displayed resilience throughout the game, overcoming challenges from LMU and showcasing standout performances from players like Gabi Acosta and Zalan Nagy. This victory follows a tough semifinal loss to No. 4 Stanford and sets the stage for their upcoming match against No. 12 Pepperdine.
Long Beach – Long Beach State University (LBSU) achieved a dramatic seventh-place finish at the Overnight MPSF Invitational, concluding the tournament with a thrilling 12-11 victory over No. 13 Loyola Marymount (LMU). The victory was sealed by junior Marc Frigola, who scored the game-winning goal with just 15 seconds remaining on the clock.
LBSU kicked off the match with a surge of energy and momentum, as sophomore Gabi Acosta opened the scoring within the first minute. However, LMU quickly responded, tying the game before freshman Zalan Nagy helped LBSU regain a 2-1 lead at the end of the first period. The second quarter saw LMU take control, scoring two consecutive goals to push ahead early in the period. Harper Stewart managed to level the playing field again at 3-3 with a counterattack goal for LBSU, but the first half concluded with both teams locked in a 4-4 tie.
Goalkeeper William Whitstone made a substantial impact in the first half, recording eight saves that contributed to keeping LBSU in contention. The third quarter began with intense action, where Frigola found the back of the net to give LBSU the lead. This was followed by a 3-0 scoring run, which included two additional goals from Acosta and another from Nagy, allowing LBSU to surge to a 9-6 advantage. The quarter ended with LBSU leading 9-7.
LMU quickly answered back at the start of the final quarter, narrowing LBSU’s lead. However, Nagy secured a hat trick, pushing the score to 10-8. As tension built in the final moments of the game, LMU managed to tie the match with back-to-back goals, leaving just 44 seconds on the clock. In a notable turn of events, Frigola’s goal just before the final buzzer clinched a thrilling victory for LBSU, finishing the tournament with a record of 9-4.
This tournament comes after LBSU faced stiff competition, including a loss to No. 4 Stanford in the semifinals with a score of 19-16. During that match, Caleb Francisco excelled, scoring a career-high of six goals. LBSU made a strong effort by overcoming an earlier four-goal deficit to level the score against Stanford. The team also encountered another defeat in the same day as the Stanford match, succumbing to No. 11 UC Davis with a final score of 15-11.
Another highlight from the tournament was Gabi Acosta marking his 100th career goal, underscoring his skill and contribution to the team. Looking ahead, LBSU will host No. 12 Pepperdine on October 3 at the LBCC Aquatics Complex, providing the team with an opportunity to improve upon their recent performances.
Live updates and coverage of the matches were made available through platforms like Overnight.com, with comprehensive stat tracking provided on 6-8scores.com.
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Additional Resources
- Long Beach State Wins Thriller Against California Baptist
- Harvard Battles at Princeton Invitational
- LBSU Suffers Losses at MPSF Invite
- Frigola’s Late Goal Leads LBSU to Another Win
- Wikipedia: Water Polo
Author: Anaheim Staff Writer
Anaheim Staff Writer The Anaheim Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREAnaheim.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Anaheim, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as major conventions at the Anaheim Convention Center, including NAMM and VidCon, exciting games at Angel Stadium and Honda Center, and developments at Disneyland Resort Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce and Visit Anaheim, plus leading businesses in hospitality, entertainment, and innovation that power the local economy As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECostaMesa.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
