At the end of October, Cal aquatics had a monumental weekend, facing Stanford on multiple occasions. A few standouts from the men's diving team; Yutong Wang on the 1 meter, and Jasper Nemeth on the platform, displayed impressive performance at Legends Aquatic Center.
Geoffrey Vavitsas vs Stanford, photo by Scarlett Bowen
That same day, men’s water polo set out to play their Big Game just an hour after the conclusion of the two-day dive tournament. After last year's devastating loss to Stanford on senior night, I was unsure whether Saturday’s matchup would result in a success. However, with impressive in-game and penalty saves from sophomore goalkeeper Aran Pina, and hattricks from both Tomas Perrone and Beso Akhvlediani, any fears I had were wiped away as Cal finished on top 12-8.
As everyone was decked out in Grateful Dead merch for football’s theme night, Spieker Aquatics Complex was filled with positive and competitive vibes. Despite facing the #1 ranked team at the time, the Golden Bears had proven themselves to be victorious quarter after quarter.
After ending the first quarter 1-3, with a last minute long-shot goal from Georgian national Akhvlediani, the Bears found themselves in a productive rhythm. Just before the end of the second period, Cal’s number 2, Tomas Perrone, regained possession of the ball. Just past the 2 meter line, he kissed the ball, almost as if to thank its loyalty after a close and dangerous run from Stanford. The whole matchup had been booming with energy inside the pool and in the stands, but it was at this moment that I knew the Bears had something special in store.
Even as the Stanford dive team marched their way up the stands loud, shirtless, and supportive as ever, their groupie energy wasn’t enough. Yes, they were shiny with gleaming six-packs, but the Bears made it clear to tell the whole damn world this is bear territory.
Intensity was at an all time high at the end of the half. At the start of the third quarter, Cal’s acclaimed Head Coach Kirk Everist received a yellow card for protesting a call in the 5th minute. The student section was at an all time high while the pool was ecstatic with grit and determination amidst the historic rivalry. The 4th quarter was another succession of goals from the Bears and despite the odds, a second penalty save by Pina. The biggest bragging point of the night was that it was not only an impressive save, but one that was purely a show of skill. At this point in the game, the outcome was solidified; the Bears had Stanford in a chokehold since the first sprint. Pina’s save was not only great because he got the job done, but because he delivered the revenge Cal fans had been craving since last year's defeat. He stuck his tongue out afterwards almost as if to say, “your penalty was meaningless, but I saved it anyway”.
Aran Pina after penalty save, photo by Scarlett Bowen
At the end of the game, the Bears had seven different goal scorers and a defeated Stanford. I was happy to have the chance to speak with one of the hattrick scorers and main hype-men of the game, Spanish international and Brazilian born, Tomas Perrone.
To start our conversation, he noted the team and himself are always “getting better for the next [game],” however Cal’s performance against Stanford was “a really important victory” adding “we haven't won any game against the big four until now.”
In the final quarter, Perrone was penalized with a minor act of misconduct after an important goal and boisterous celebration in the 5th minute of regulation. With my question bringing out a bit of laughter he recalls; “I shouldn't have done that” saying there's “a lot of emotions in the game.” And, as fellow die-hard Cal supporters, Tomas, we can’t blame you.
Tomas Perrone, photo by Scarlett Bowen
Cal’s number 2’s performance as we see it today is immensely important to us as fans, however it's impossible to overlook the journey Perrone took to get where he is today. Born in Brazil, and beginning his water polo journey at home, he claims his roots down south “helped [him] to grow as a player individually.” He later made a life-changing move to pursue his athletic career in Spain at 16, and contrasted his previous experiences saying it helped him learn the game from a broader, more collective perspective. Having played for the Spanish national team and Club Natació Atlètic-Barceloneta, Perrone brings a unique player profile to Cal, making his presence clear every gameday.
Asking a bit more on his experience at home, and now with rivalries, I had to know what the waterpolo landscape looked like in Brazil. Perrone said there are big rivalries in Brazil but quickly added “now I'm friends with everybody” as its part of the game. To this, he thoughtfully contested on the more philosophical side of sport saying “in the end it's more emotional” it “just shows how everybody loves the game.”
Once again discussing the matchup against Stanford, he praises Cal fans saying “the rivalry gets bigger” with each season. I later asked what his experience has been like at Cal where he proudly claimed Spieker Aquatics Complex as “the best place ever, there is no other place, I tell everybody. I’ve played at every pool in the usa, outside also, and this is the best pool to ever play in.”
You’ve heard it now, ladies and gents, Cal is officially on top in our hearts, but also in the Big Game rivalry. Despite the presence of the Stanford dive team ultras cheering the Cardinals on, Stanford was wading in rough and hopeless waters. Perrone added “I love the people, the stands, the energy” and closed out the interview saying “go bears, that's the only thing I have to say for today.”
After a shining performance from our Golden Bears at men’s water polo who are now ranked number one in the nation, fans will await their last matchup of the regular season and post season championship tournaments. Concluding on Stanford matchups, looking ahead to Cal Football’s Big Game on November 21st, fans are in anticipation to see if this win-streak performance will keep up on the football field.
