STANFORD, Calif. – West Coast Conference Men’s Water Polo Tournament Champion San José State lost in the first round of the NCAA Men’s Water Polo Championships by Fordham, 13-9, to bring the Spartans’ season to a close.
The match started strong for the Spartans who took a 3-1 lead after Sam Keightley rattled the cage twice within the first six minutes in the pool.
Sam Keightley DUNKS it in to give @SJSUAthletics the lead! ??
?? NCAA#WeRiseintheWest | #NCAAWPolo pic.twitter.com/N3PvcrBlwd
— West Coast Conference (@WCCsports) December 5, 2025
But the Rams scored four unanswered goals en route to a 7-4 lead at halftime. In the second half, the Spartans brought the Rams’ lead down to two on three occasions but could not get any closer as Fordham’s high-flying defense was all over the pool.
West Coast Conference Men’s Water Polo Player of the Year and Tournament Most Outstanding Player Brendon Gyapjas collected many key saves that kept the Spartans within reach. Gyapjas ended the contest with eight saves and a steal in the effort.
West Coast Conference Men’s Water Polo Player of the Year Brendon Gyapjas fired up after the big save! ??
Watch @SJSUAthletics in the NC Men’s Water Polo Tournament LIVE on the NCAA website! ??#WeRiseintheWest | #NCAAWPolo pic.twitter.com/YJkKUjGwSP
— West Coast Conference (@WCCsports) December 5, 2025
Sam Keightley led the team with goals, shooting a perfect 3-for-3 in the match. He also added a steal and assist, the only Spartan with at least one of each. Samu Biros added two more goals for the Spartans.
San José State finished the season 14-8 (5-1 in conference) while racking up 10 ranked wins throughout the campaign on the team’s way to being crowned co-West Coast Conference Regular Season champions and Tournament champions. In the latest College Water Polo Association rankings, the Spartans ranked No. 6.
