SALEM, W.Va./WASHINGTON, Pa. — Gannon University staked its claim to early season top-billing in the Mid-Atlantic Water Polo Conference (MAWPC)-West Region as the Golden Knights struck down Salem International University, 16-15, & Monmouth College, 15-8.
In the opening game of the day, Nick Williams (Bainbridge Island, Wash./Bainbridge Island) punched in a goal with 1:15 remaining in regulation to power Gannon to a 16-15 defeat of host Salem International.
Thomas Squeglia (Erie, Pa./Cathedral Prep) tallied Gannon’s first goal two minutes into the contest, while Salem International held a slim 4-3 lead after the first quarter.
Zarko Sadikovic (Nis, Serbia/GTS Neimar) and Williams each recorded two second-quarter goals for Gannon.
The Golden Knights took an 8-7 edge to the halftime break.
Salem International came out in the third period and outscored Gannon, 5-1. Williams had the lone GU goal.
Down 12-9, Gannon mounted its fourth quarter comeback. Gilberto Millan (Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico/Colegio San Jose) pulled the Golden Knights to within two at 12-10.
Gannon tied the match at 15-all on another Millan goal at the 1:56 mark of the period prior to Williams completing the comeback with just a minute and 15 seconds remaining for the 16-15 win.
Gannon shot 16-of-36 from the field and five-of-14 on power-plays, while Salem international connected on 15-of-39 shots, including three-of-seven man-up chances.
Brett Rehrer (Chino Hills, Calif./Chino Hills) had 16 saves and earned the goalie victory.
At Washington & Jefferson College for the remainder of the weekend, the Golden Knights stopped Monmouth, 15-8.
Gannon scored the first six goals of the contest, including three from Jack Donnelly (Temecula, Calif./Chaparral), as the Golden Knights lead 6-1 at the end of the first quarter.
Vladmir Diaz (San Juan, Puerto Rico/Cupeyville) led off the second period with a goal. Ethan Hamp (Chicago, Ill./Von Steuben), Riley Hinkley (Meshoppen, Pa./Princeton) and Lucas Petzold (Hudsonville, Mich./Hudsonville) also notched goals as Gannon held a 10-4 lead at halftime.
Monmouth and Gannon each tallied three goals in the third quarter. Petzold and Williams each had added tallies in the final quarter as Gannon held on for the 15-8 victory.
Gannon connected on 15 of its 30 shots, while holding Monmouth to an eight-for-28 performance from the field.
Donnelly and Petzold each tied for a team-high three goals.
Release courtesy Gannon University Athletics Communications
