ANNAPOLIS, Md. — The No. 18-ranked Colonials of George Washington University stopped Mid-Atlantic Water Polo Conference foe La Salle University, 22-3, in non-conference action to open the day before dropping Iona College, 18-7, at the United States Naval Academy’s Navy Open to move to 4-0 for the season.
Josh Yardley, a first-year attacker from Pennsylvania, totaled seven goals and six steals on the day, while sophomore utility Andras Levai tallied six goals and five assists with all eight of his steals against Iona in a career-best effort.
Against La Salle, the Colonials put together a dominant effort in the opener, racing out to a 15-2 lead by halftime. They trailed 2-1 in the early going before scoring 17 straight goals during a run that stretched into the final minute of the third quarter.
Yardley shined, setting career highs with four goals and five steals. First-year Nicholas Polydefkis added two goals, two assists and a steal, while Levai, Atakan Destici, Andrew Mavis, Jack Kerwin, Henry Maas, Finn Lillis and DJ Davis also netted two goals apiece.
Austin Pyrch made a season-high 13 saves in net to highlight GW’s best defensive effort of the young season.
The day concluded versus as the Colonials scored the first eight goals en route to victory in the weekend finale. Destici’s goal with 55 seconds left in the first half extended the lead to 8-0, and the advantage reached double digits on a goal by Mavis two minutes into the third quarter.
Levai made a difference on both ends with his four goals, two assists and eight steals. Destici paced the offense with a season-high five goals, three assists and three steals, while Yardley scored three times and Jordan Blosser found the net twice.
Release courtesy George Washington University Athletics Communications
