The No. 3 California men's water polo team resumes regular-season play with a three-game weekend after hosting a pair of international exhibition matches this past weekend at the Golden Bear Invitational.
 
The Golden Bears will be put to the test with a pair of top 15 matchups this week, beginning Friday in Stockton to face off against No. 9 Pacific, then returning to Bear Territory for their first home contest of the season on Saturday against No. 11 UC Davis. Cal will conclude the weekend with another home match against San Jose State on Sunday.
 
UP NEXT
FRIDAY, SEPT. 12
Cal at No. 9 Pacific | 7 PM PT | Livestream: ESPN+
 
SATURDAY, SEPT. 13
Cal vs. No. 11 UC Davis | 1 PM PT | Livestream: TBD
 
SUNDAY, SEPT. 14
Cal vs. San Jose State | 1 PM PT | Livestream: TBD
 
GOLDEN SUCCESS
The Bears have won 17 NCAA championships, including three out of the last four, making Cal the winningest program in men's water polo history. During Kirk Everist's tenure as a head coach, he has been named the ACWPC National Coach of the Year five times (2006, 2016, 2021, 2022, 2023), and the Bears have won six national championships (2006, 2007, 2016, 2021, 2022, 2023) amid his 24 seasons at the helm. Last season, Cal earned four All-MPSF honors, led by first-team selection Max Casabella. George Avakian and Albert Ponferrada received second-team honors, while Jake Howerton was named an honorable mention.
 
FAMILIAR FACES
Cal returns 13 student-athletes from a season ago, including William Kelly, Bende Pardi and Nik Mirkovic, who each surpassed 20 goals during the 2024 season. Goalkeeper Riley Clansen returns after making an appearance in 14 games last season, registering 423 minutes and 87 saves. Senior Albert Ponferrada returns after totaling the second-most assists (48) in the MPSF during 2024. 
 
NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK
The Bears welcomed 11 newcomers, including seven freshmen: Beso Akvlediani (Attacker), Kai Inoue (Attacker), Tomas Perrone (Attacker), Aran Pina (Goalkeeper), Gigo Sarimsakci (Center), Patrick Stice (Utility), and Milan Sumich (Defender). The 2025 roster will also feature three transfers: Luke Bachler (Attacker), Dominic Brown (Center) and Chase Wilson (Center), and one graduate student: Loui Schuler (Utility).
 
STAY POSTED
For further coverage of Cal men's water polo, follow the Bears on Twitter (@CalWaterPolo) and Instagram (@calmwaterpolo).