#16 CBU Dominates #8 Pepperdine to Open WCC Play

Thursday, October 9

Riverside, Calif.

5:30 PM

California Baptist University

#8 Pepperdine University

Pepperdine

California Baptist

Photo by: Jonathan Vivanco

#16 CBU Dominates #8 Pepperdine to Open WCC Play

10/9/2025 7:35:00 PM | Men's Water Polo

Box Score

By: Mariah Rodriguez, Assistant Director of Athletic Communications and Digital Media

RIVERSIDE--- The California Baptist men's water polo team made waves on Thursday night as they welcomed #8 Pepperdine to the Lancer Aquatic Center as West Coast Conference play kicked off. CBU stunned the top-10 ranked squad 15-10 with five goals in the first quarter, lifting the Lancers to victory and keeping their six-game unbeaten streak alive. Kevin Rosa's program is now 16-7 this season and 1-0 in WCC play.

Andrea Nuzzo got things going early for the Lancer offensive with a goal in the first 25 seconds before Alex Righetti joined in on the fun. The first frame would see five different scorers for the CBU side, while limiting the Waves to just a single goal. Pepperdine found a better rhythm in the second quarter, keeping CBU to just three goals and finding the net twice themselves.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by CBU Water Polo (@lancersmwp)

The Lancers totaled a five-goal lead at the half before a third period that would see four goals for both programs. California Baptist continued to keep their distance from the Waves and tallied three more goals in the fourth to secure the victory. While CBU was obviously successful on the offensive side, Tanner McCreary was equally impressive between the sticks for the Lancers with 13 saves.

Nuzzo totaled four goals to open WCC play, while Rafa Martinez and Wyatt Bugbee both picked up a brace against Pepperdine. California Baptist tallied 10 different scorers through the game and sits atop the WCC standings.

The Lancers will now turn their attention to Sunday afternoon as they head to Colorado to battle Air Force as conference play continues.