LEWISBURG, Pa. — The Bucknell University men’s water polo team split a pair of matches versus No. 10-ranked Fordham University and McKendree University on the second day of the 2024 Bucknell Invitational at Kinney Natatorium. Fordham defeated Bucknell, 20-9, in a Mid-Atlantic Water Polo Conference (MAWPC) game, but the Orange & Blue rebounded to defeat McKendree University, 17-11, in the nightcap via support from nine different scorers.
Aleska Stefanovic recorded seven goals in two games to lead the Bison. His six scores against McKendree were instrumental in the victory. Shay Gillearn supplied five goals to serve as Stefanovic’s scoring wingman.
The defending MAWPC Champion Rams quickly laid claim to the opening game by dashing out to a 7-1 lead in the first quarter. Freshman Tyler Hedblad provided Bucknell’s sole score when the deficit was 3-0 before Fordham ended the stanza on a 4-0 run establishing a suitable advantage.
The second quarter was played on closer terms. Sean Tunnicliff and Stefanovic found the net for Bucknell, but the Rams continued to grow their lead by scoring four goals for an 11-3 halftime margin.
The Bison displayed an offensive burst with four goals in the third quarter thanks to a multi-pronged attack with four Bucknell athletes finding the back of the net. Jake Wedding started the party and was followed by Hedblad and Tunnicliff. Gillearn added a tally with 14 seconds left. However, Fordham did not halt its offensive attack with the Rams tallying six goals.
The Bison finished the match with some momentum for the next game, scoring two goals and holding Fordham to three scores. Hedblad and Tunnicliff obtained the final goals.
Bucknell’s luck changed in the late game as the Bison overwhelmed the Bearcats.
McKendree scored the opening goal before the Bison rode a 5-1 scoring wave to obtain a lead they refused to relinquish. Stefanovic scored three of the goals during the run, while Gillearn and Tunnicliff each added a tally as well.
Stefanovic posted two more goals in the second quarter, Gillearn chipped in a score and Maxime Touzot made his mark on the scoresheet with a goal. The Bearcats ended the half with a 2-0 run cutting to trim Bucknell’s scoreboard advantage to 9-5.
The Bearcats drew within 10-7 in the third quarter before the Bison exploited another run to terminate the comeback. Gillearn and Stefanovic handed out scores with Jack Murad and Jovan Udovicic also denting the twine as Bucknell doubled-up McKendree, 14-7.
The Bison were outscored 4-3 in the final eight minutes as the Bearcats clawed back to within six prior to the concluding horn. Wedding, Jack Bruce and Ned Smith each put away shots for Bucknell in the fourth quarter as the squad rolled to victory.
Information courtesy Bucknell University Athletics Communications
