Nov. 26, 2005

MALIBU, Calif. - With just over a minute left in Saturday's Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF), the Pepperdine Waves created a 6-on-4 advantage and looked to break an 8-all stalemate. Pacific fought off the Wave scoring opportunity and created a fast-break chance which resulted in the game-winning goal with 46 seconds remaining as the Tigers pulled off the 9-8 upset over the Waves in Los Angeles.

Pepperdine (17-11) raced out to a 3-1 lead after the first seven minutes of play on a goal by Doug Mann in the opening minute and two from Jesse Smith.

Pacific (19-13) outscored the Waves in the second frame, but a Grant Miller goal at the 1:23 mark of the second quarter had Pepperdine leading, 5-4, at the half.

Following an exclusion on the Tiger's goaltender, Smith completed the hat trick with just 39 seconds remaining in the third period, maintaining Pepperdine's one-goal advantage.

Pacific took its first lead of the afternoon by scoring on consecutive man-advantage chances to open the final stanza. A Pepperdine goal at the 3:56 mark knotted the contest at 7-7. The Tigers would regain the lead at the 2:15 mark only to see Adam Hewko answer 17 seconds later and even the game at 8-apeice.

"It was tough for us to comeback from yesterday's loss," noted head coach Terry Schroeder. "But that is no excuse for how we played today. They created more kick out opportunities today, because they worked harder than we did. They just played like they wanted it more. Pacific played like a team with nothing to lose and this win probably made their season."

Pepperdine must regroup for tomorrow's season finale against Long Beach State. Game time is slated for 10 a.m. (PT).