Nov. 3, 2007

MC vs. PS-Behrend Stats
MC vs. Johns Hopkins Stats

Annapolis, Md.The Mercyhurst water polo team picked up a 13-4 opening round win over Penn State Behrend in the Southern Championships in Annapolis, Md. But in their bid to win their bracket, the Lakers were downed by Johns Hopkins by a close 13-8 score.

With the day one split, Mercyhurst, the No. 6 seed, must defeat No. 17 Bucknell on Sunday at 10:15 and then will have to knock off No. 10-ranked Navy to advance to the Eastern Championships.

Mercyhurst, playing in Bracket C, drew a familiar foe in Penn State Behrend for the opening match. The Lakers made quick work of the crosstown rivals by jumping out to a 6-0 lead at the half and then piling on seven more goals in the final to periods.

Freshman Alex Moggridge led the team with four goals. Senior Kevin Riordan delivered three assists, and senior Kyle Bogucki posted two goals. Junior Alex Perry also scored twice and recorded three assists. Junior Oscar Calderon provided two goals, one assist and three steals.

With the win, the Lakers boosted their season win total to 14, improving upon the single season wins record that they set last weekend at the Division II Eastern Championships. The Lakers also improved to 3-0 over Penn State Behrend this year.

Against Johns Hopkins, the Lakers fell behind 6-3 at the half and chipped the lead to 8-6 entering the final quarter. Hopkins scored first in the fourth to boost the lead to three, but the Lakers scored a pair of unanswered goals to cut their deficit to one. But Hopkins scored four-straight goals to pull away with the win.

Juniors Perry and Andrew Schonhoff each tallied four goals to lead the Lakers. Riordan added one goal and an assist.

Freshman Andy Sekulski played both of Saturday's contests in goal and totaled nine saves and three assists against Penn State Behrend and 10 saves and a steal against Johns Hopkins.

Mercyhurst will look to advance against No. 17 Bucknell Sunday at 10:15 a.m.