ERIE, Pa. – By defeating McKendree University via a 22-12 score, Mount St. Mary’s University extends the program’s winning streak to five games, improves to 8-3 on the season and caps off a perfect weekend at the Mid-Atlantic Water Polo Conference (MAWPC) Crossover at the Hallman Aquatics Center.
Two Mountaineers showcased their offensive talents to secure the win over the Bearcats. Alexandros Bellesis had his best day, scoring eight times in 13 attempts. Michael Lemishko added five goals for his first hat trick of the 2022 campaign. Tommaso Baldineti kept his presence on the scoreboard with four goals, but assists were his primary function with six. Bellesis added four assists, involving himself on half of the Mount’s goals.
On defense, goalkeeper Joseph Maxson saved over half his shots faced with a season-high 14 saves.
It was the third quarter that pushed the game toward the Mountaineers. Entering the frame with an 8-6 lead, the Mount cut loose with 11 goals across eight minutes. The high number came despite drawing no exclusions or penalties. Instead, the bulk of the scoring came in regular play, the center position or counter attacks – 16 out of the 22.
Across the five-game winning streak, the Mount is averaging 21.8 goals per contest following defeats of Mercyhurst University (17-13 W, 18-8 W), Penn State Behrend (28-14 W), Gannon University (24-21 W) and McKendree.
Release courtesy Mount St. Mary’s University Athletics Communications
