The Loyola Marymount men’s water polo team came up just short in their Oct. 12 match against UC San Diego, losing 14-12 at Burns Center.

Neither team led by more than a goal through three quarters, and LMU held a 9-8 late in the period. But the conference-leading Tritons — ranked ninth nationally, but beaten by the Lions earlier in the season — scored three straight goals and were never caught.

For LMU, Blazo Mitrovic scored four goals, with two apiece from Joseph Shaw, David Carrasco and Daniel Roth. Austin Clark scored with 1:11 to play, and Jonny Rimlinger also tallied for the No. 11 Lions (6-8 overall, 1-1 in Western Water Polo Association play).

Conference play continues Oct. 17 as LMU hosts Santa Clara for a 3 p.m. match at Burns Center to close out a seven-game home stretch. The Lions then travel to Colorado for an Oct. 19 match against Air Force.