#17 Santa Clara Uses Big Fourth Quarter to Slip Past Upset-Minded Bison

Saturday, September 12

Princeton, N.J.

12:30 p.m.

Bucknell University

Santa Clara

Photo by: Breanna Ruppel

#17 Santa Clara Uses Big Fourth Quarter to Slip Past Upset-Minded Bison

9/12/2026 2:08:00 PM | Men's Water Polo

PRINCETON, N.J.- Bucknell (1-5) kept pace with No. 17 Santa Clara (4-1) for most of the game but a 6-0 fourth quarter permitted the Broncos to escape the Bison's upset attempt and pull out the 16-10 victory on the Orange & Blue's first day at the Princeton Invitational. All five of Bucknell's losses in 2026 have come to ranked teams.

Six different Bison scored a goal with Tyler Hedblad's three tallies leading the team.

The first quarter was an evenly-cast affair with both teams scoring three goals.

The Broncos broke away in the second period, scoring five goals to the Bison's two.

Bucknell fought back in the third stanza, outscoring Santa Clara 4-2 and drawing within 10-9 entering the final quarter.

The upset dreams died hard. The Broncos' defense clamped down on Bucknell's offense and Santa Clara produced six goals to win 16-10.

Bucknell finishes the Princeton Invitational tomorrow with two games against No. 20 St. Mary's and Iona.