LA JOLLA, Calif. – No. 12 UC San Diego (2-0) began its 2024 season Saturday as it has for the past four years — with wins at its own Triton Invitational men's water polo tournament.

Opening day at Canyonview Aquatic Center saw the Tritons take a convincing 22-4 win against UC Merced (0-1) and later earn a 16-3 triumph over Bucknell (1-1).

HOW IT HAPPENED vs. UC MERCED
UC San Diego buried four goals in the first quarter and six in the second to take a 10-1 lead into halftime. The Tritons exploded for eight goals in the third and wrapped things up with another four tallies in the final stanza.

UC Merced was held scoreless in the first period. The Bobcats scored once in the second, once in the third, and twice in the fourth.

The first nine goals of the game were scored by UC San Diego - four of those coming from Axline and two from Landon Akerstrom. 

Twelve Tritons scored in the game with seven of them finding the net more than once.

Three goalies were able to get time for UC San Diego. Logan Estes started and had two saves as well as two goals against over the first half. He also added an assist and a steal. Nikita Valajev and Parker George split time in the second half.

For the Bobcats, Andrew Jones recorded a hat trick, while Camden Peterson added a goal. Matthew Lloyd made nine saves in net.

Shots were 39-12 in favor of UC San Diego.

HOW IT HAPPENED vs. BUCKNELL
After eight hours out of the sun and high temperatures, the Tritons got back to it against the Bison.

Both coming off wins against UC Merced, the teams began with consecutive scoreless possessions before Brendon Fezzey slotted in a shot from close range. A fast break score from Luca Rago, a perimeter laser from Akerstrom, and a lob from Fezzey closed out a 4-0 first period. 

Estes was dialed in, snatching a pair of Bison passes early in the first period. He also saved a penalty shot to maintain the clean sheet. Estes finished with seven saves on eight shots and rang up four steals.

The Tritons enjoyed another 10-1 lead coming out of halftime. They were able to add six goals in the second half - three in the third and three in the fourth.

UC San Diego exploited power plays, going six-for-six during the game. Bucknell could not capture the same productivity, going one-for-10. 

Estes made seven saves and grabbed four steals over three periods. Velajev played the final stanza and had three saves.  

Three players accounted for Bucknell's three goals. David Dumitru made nine stops in net.

WHAT HEAD COACH MATT USTASZEWSKI HAD TO SAY
"It was an exciting first day of water polo and it was incredible to see the campus packed with so much water polo action. We had a good day of integrating our new players with our returning group. It was fun to see the younger players get to play, some for the very first time. It was nice for Logan, Nikita, and Parker to get in goal and make some stops to help the team. We look forward to some tough games against two really good teams Sunday. It's a thrill to coach in this environment and we look forward to the challenges that the games will bring us."

TRITON TIDBITS 
• UC San Diego's win against UC Merced marked the seventh consecutive season that the Tritons won their opening contest.
• The Tritons have won each of their last seven season openers by double-digit margins, with Saturday's 22-4 UC Merced scoreline being the largest gap. 
• It was the first-ever meeting between UC San Diego and UC Merced, which began its water polo program two seasons ago. 
• Freshmen Christian Hammonds and Lachlan Rossi netted their first Triton goals against the Bobcats.
• Redshirt sophomore Reef Lippa got his first career score against the Bison. 
• UC San Diego holds a perfect 4-0 all-time record against Bucknell. 
• Freshman Christian Hammonds led all Tritons with eight points (two goals, six assists) over the two games.
• The Tritons were perfect on sprints, going 7-0 over the two games. Felipe Ferreira was 4-0.

UP NEXT 
Sunday, UC San Diego takes on Pomona-Pitzer (2:30 p.m.) before facing off against UCLA (6:30 p.m.), the reigning national champion and No. 1 team in the nation.