The UCSD men’s water polo team dropped a tough nonconference match against seventh-ranked UC Irvine on Sunday afternoon at the Anteater Aquatics Complex in Irvine, Calif.

The Tritons fell to 18-5 on the season with the 11-9 loss, while the Anteaters improved to 5-10 overall.

The two teams ended the first quarter tied at two before Kellan Hori scored to give UCSD a 3-2 lead with 6:18 remaining in the second quarter. UC Irvine answered with a pair of goals from Chris Kirchwehm and a single score from freshman Dreason Barry to give the Anteaters the 5-4 halftime lead.

The Tritons kept it close in the third quarter and headed into the fourth down by only a single goal. UC Irvine put UCSD away with four goals in the final quarter to preserve the slim two-goal victory.

The Anteaters were led by Garrett Gentry’s five goals. Kirchwehm added four goals while Barry pitched in with a pair. Junior goalie Doug Finfrock also helped out, making 13 saves in the winning effort.

Vladimir Djapic led the Tritons with three goals. Jon Samuels had two goals while Hori, Brandon Borso, Jon Hopkins and Kevin Smoker each had a single score. Goalie Lance Onken had five saves for UCSD, which entered the game ranked No. 9 in the nation.