LEWISBURG, Pa. — Bucknell University split the first day of the Bucknell Invitational at home in Kinney Natatorium as the Bison fell to No. 5-ranked Fordham University, 21-11, in a Mid-Atlantic Water Polo Conference (MAWPC) contest prior to stymieing Salem University, 15-9.
In a battle of prior MAWPC Champions, Bucknell kept pace with Fordham for a quarter and a half before the Rams butted their way past a determined Bison squad. The teams were tied at six-all before a 3-0 Rams’ run commenced a 15-5 stretch which allowed the defending league champions to pull away to a double-digit victory.
Pier Giorgio Cicchetti and Tyler Hedblad led Bucknell with three goals.
The Bison and Rams battled to a 5-5 first quarter, as Bucknell sought its second ranked win of 2026 after upsetting No. 20 Saint Mary’s College of California last weekend.
The even pace continued into the second period with both teams tallying a goal. However, the Rams proved why they are a top five squad by using a 3-0 run to establish breathing space at halftime.
The Bison continued to score in the second half but could not keep up with Fordham’s potent offense. The Rams kept the Bison at bay and refused to allow any massive runs to elude Bucknell.
Wrapping up the day versus Salem, Bucknell outscored the Tigers by a 9-4 count in the second half to avoid an upset after claiming a narrow 6-5 entering halftime.
Jack Dillane paced the Bison attack with four goals. He also drew seven exclusions and grabbed three steals.
For the second straight game, the Bison were tied after the first quarter as both squads scored three times in the opening eight minutes of action.
Bucknell inched ahead at halftime by scoring three more goals and holding Salem to a pair.
The Orange & Blue defense kept the Tigers at bay in the second half, while the offense broke free to find the net nine times in wrapping up Bucknell’s fourth victory of 2026.
Information courtesy Bucknell University Athletics Communications
