LEWISBURG, Pa. — Mount St. Mary’s University men’s water polo won both of the program’s games on day one of the Bucknell Invitational by defeating Salem University, 18-11, and Long Island University, 15-12. With the doubleheader victory, the Mountaineers move to 6-7 on the year, equaling their 2024 win total.
The match against Salem started with a 6-1 quarter victory for the Mountaineers, with long balls from the defense finding Mountaineers in open water. The Mount proceeded to put five more past the Tigers before the halftime siren, heading into the break with an 11-2 advantage.
Salem turned on the heat after the break, scoring four on the Mountaineers’ defense, but with a five goal third, the Mount secured another quarter victory. A five goal quarter by the Tigers came too late, as the Mountaineers early offensive gains proved pivotal in securing the win.
Ioannis Skliras recorded seven goals and three assists against Salem, while Chrysostomos Valavanis secured a hat trick against the Tigers. Nikolaos Agritelis, Jack Fox and Aaron Tarr all recorded braces with Tarr also providing four assists. Nate Valentine got on the scoresheet with a goal wit Andrew Norris scoring his first collegiate goal.
Goalkeeper Sherif Hosni recorded 11 saves and provided two assists.
The game started much slower against LIU, with the Mountaineers being held in check until the halfway point of the quarter as the teams concluded the opening eight minutes knotted at two-all.
The Mountaineers edged the Sharks 5-4 in both the second and third quarters before a 3-2 fourth quarter advantage secured the victory for the Mount.
Tarr recorded seven goals against LIU, scoring a hat trick alone from the penalty spot. Valentine and Skliras also posted hat-tricks, while William Matthews and Agritelis accounted for solo tallies. Along with his hat trick, Skliras also recorded four assists.
Hosni picked up his second win of the day by recording 14 saves, an assist and a steal.
Information courtesy Mount St Mary’s University Athletics Communications
