ERIE, Pa. — The Mercyhurst University men’s water polo team opened up Mid-Atlantic Water Polo Conference (MAWPC) play at home by matches to Wagner College, 30-12, and No. 5-ranked Fordham University, 31-7.
Against Wagner, Mercyhurst opened up the scoring in the first quarter with the inaugural goal of the game coming from Asher Jones followed by another scored by Ben Gavran.
In the second quarter, goalkeeper Alex Gyde kept the Lakers in the game and tallied up an assist on a goal scored by Declan Puacz. Gavran scored his second goal of the game, while Luke Larson and Ethan Green tallied their first of the game.
Puacz added his second early in the third quarter, which came off an assist of Aiden Bottterill. Puacz also played stellar defense by tallying four steals. Keller Sens was also able to tally up his first goal at home, contributing to the Lakers’ offense.
In the fourth quarter, Nate Lutz got a steal, which led to Puacz getting yet another hat-trick this season.
Facing the defending MAWPC Champion Fordham Rams, Jones scored in the first quarter for the Lakers.
In the second quarter, Gyde came up with some steals and saves in order to keep the Lakers close in the game.
In the third quarter, Puacz continued to show the hot hand, with yet another goal scored. Caden Stover contributed a goal as well.
The fourth quarter was the best quarter both offensively and defensively for the Lakers. Only allowing four goals, Glyde racked up four saves. The Lakers scored four goals with Puacz and Sens chipping in solo markers, while Larson netted back-to-back strikes in 29 seconds.
Release courtesy Mercyhurst University Athletics Communications
