PRINCETON, N.J. — The Long Island University men’s water polo team fell to No. 15-ranked California Baptist University, 24-6, and Wagner College, 13-10, in DeNunzio Pool on the first day of the 2023 Princeton Invitational hosted by Princeton University.
“The difference between the morning game and the Wagner game was night and day,” said head coach Gabby Juarez.
“Although we were down two starters in the fourth quarter, we looked a lot better on defense. It’s a loss in the record book, but it’s a mini-win because it shows that we’re going in the right direction.”
Against Cal Baptist, Riyad Shehadeh scored three times to account for half of the Sharks offense as the team fell behind 7-0 after the first quarter. The Lancers pulled out to a 16-1 lead by halftime thanks to a 9-1 scoring advantage in the second quarter prior to LIU chipping away at its deficit with a 3-2 margin in the third quarter. However, Cal Baptist finished out the contest by holding a 6-2 lead in scoring over the final eight minutes of the fourth quarter in claiming victory.
Josep Jodra Muñoz, Karl Lovett and Ben LeClair chipped in the remainder of the Sharks’ offense.
Against the Seahawks, Wagner transfers Ethan Zirh and Lovett were the story of the contest.
Zirh made 19 saves against the Seahawks, while Lovett posted his best game of the season so far against his old team, scoring five goals and recording five assists.
“I’m buddies with a lot of guys on the team, so I definitely had this marked on the calendar for months,” said Lovett said. “I just wanted to show out for my new teammates and it was just a lot fun. We were having fun out there.”
Jodra Muñoz and Shehadeh added pairs of makers, while Tony Franco put away a solo tally.
Release courtesy Long Island University Athletics Communications
