News Summary
In a closely contested match at the Avery Aquatics Center, Long Beach State faced off against No. 4 ranked Stanford in men’s water polo. Despite standout performances, including a hat trick from Caleb Francisco, Long Beach State ultimately lost 19-16 in overtime. The match highlighted the team’s potential and growth, as well as Stanford’s depth and skill, particularly from their sophomore class. With both teams aiming to enhance their standings, this competitive matchup showcased the excitement of collegiate water polo.
Long Beach, CA – Long Beach State University faced a challenging match against Stanford in men’s water polo on October 12, 2025. The match took place at the Avery Aquatics Center, starting at 12:00 PM PT, with Stanford entering the competition ranked No. 4 and Long Beach State ranked No. 10.
Despite a commendable performance by Long Beach State’s Caleb Francisco, who scored three goals to achieve a hat trick, the team ultimately fell short. Stanford showcased a strong third quarter, which proved crucial in their 19-16 overtime victory in their previous matchup earlier in the season. At the time of this report, the score indicated a 0-0 draw, highlighting the competitive nature of the game.
Stanford’s Botond Balogh demonstrated his prowess on the field and played a significant role as he has been leading the team in goals and points throughout the season. In addition, the sophomore class from Stanford has contributed extensively, with four members among the top five point contributors for the team.
In their previous game against Santa Clara, Long Beach State secured a narrow 15-14 victory, with ten players contributing to the score. Notably, Gabi Acosta scored the game-winning goal, assisted by a vital save from goalkeeper Joe Jenness, who split time with William Whitstone in the goal. Together, they made a total of 10 saves during that match. Pueyo led the scoring effort against Santa Clara with his own hat trick, showcasing the team’s capability to draw from many players.
As Long Beach State aimed to rebound from their recent victory against Santa Clara, facing Stanford posed a significant challenge. The previous overtime matchup between the two teams added an extra layer of intensity to this game, with both teams looking to improve their standing in the competitive collegiate water polo landscape.
Water polo, a sport demanding both physical and strategic prowess, continues to gain attention, particularly during the collegiate season. The addition of younger talent, like Stanford’s impressive sophomore class, coupled with key players’ performances, can often make or break an outcome in such tightly contested matches. Both Long Beach State and Stanford exemplify the depth and commitment required to succeed at this level.
As the afternoon wore on at the Avery Aquatics Center, spectators were treated to a tightly contested match where every goal counted. Long Beach State, despite falling short once again against a formidable opponent, demonstrated the potential for continued growth and success as the season unfolds.
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Additional Resources
- Long Beach State Athletics
- Santa Clara Broncos Athletics
- Stanford Athletics
- Wikipedia: Water Polo
- Google Search: Men’s Water Polo Collegiate News

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.