Nugget in the Rough

Brett McCleave

By Michael Bower
Online Forty-Niner
Sports Editor

The men's water polo team got off to a 1-0 start in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation conference against the Pepperdine Waves on Saturday thanks to a great performance by this week's Nugget in the Rough, Brett McCleave.

The junior transfer scored two goals, including the game winner with 1:22 left in the second overtime to give the 49ers a 9-8 win over the Waves.

The 6-foot-6 McCleave leads the 49ers in scoring with 26 goals this season, and has put the team on his shoulders. He has scored 12 goals in the last five games, including a four spot against UC San Diego, tying his season-high.

McCleave, a two-meter man, ranks No. 12 in the MPSF with 1.63 goals per game. He also has been a huge boost on defense, posting 35 earned ejections this season. He was the Junior College Player of the Year at Golden West in 2001 and 2002.

At El Toro high school in 2001, McCleave was a two-time All-South Coast League pick, and a two-time All-American and league Most Valuable Player. He set records for the most drawn ejections, most goals in a game, and most goals in a season.

McCleave and the water polo team will be back in action at noon on Saturday against Pacific at The Campus Pool.