NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. — No. 19-ranked Brown University picked up its first Northeast Water Polo Conference (NWPC) win of the season with a 12-9 victory over Iona University. The Bears were led by five goals each from Leo Berkman and Ilias Stothart.
“It’s nice to get back on track against a tough opponent in a hostile environment,” said head coach Felix Mercado. “The team rallied defensively with key stops in the fourth quarter. We are looking forward to getting back home.”
Brown jumped ahead early with two goals by Berkman. Ben Kirshon scored in the first as well, but Iona scored two late goals to tie the game at three after the first quarter.
Two goals from Iona to start the second put Brown in a hole but Berkamn responded with his third goal of the game. After another Iona goal, Stothart scored his first goal to make it 6-5 Iona at the break.
The Bears took over in the third quarter, outscoring the Gaels, 7-1. Gabe Chang got the scoring started for Brown, followed by two-straight goals from Stothart put Brown up 8-6. Iona cut Brown’s lead to one but Berkman responded with two-straight goals and Stothart found the net twice in the final minute of the quarter to put Brown up 12-7.
Iona tallied two goals in the final quarter but Brown held on for the win.
Kole Newman finished the game with nine saves in goal.
Release courtesy Brown University Athletics Communications
