PROVIDENCE, R.I. — The No. 20-ranked Brown men’s water polo team improved to 21-10 on the season, including a 6-4 mark in Northeast Water Polo Conference (NWPC) competition, as the Bears defeated Long Island University, 16-8, and took a 15-12 setback against NWPC regular season champion/No.. 6 Princeton University, 15-12, in a conference doubleheader at the Katherine Moran Coleman Aquatics Center.
In its first game of the day, Brown dominated LIU for the second time this season, having previously defeated the Sharks 16-10 in October. After LIU scored the opening goal, Mac Berry and Roland Csendes responded with back-to-back goals to give the Bears an early lead.
Berry opened the scoring in the second quarter with his second goal of the game less than a minute in. After LIU answered with two goals, Máté Tymcyna found the back of the net for his first of the game. Csendes followed with back-to-back goals to complete his first hat trick of the day. Jaxson Tierney added to Brown’s lead before Tymcyna scored his second of the game with five seconds remaining in the half.
Holding a 6-4 lead entering the second half, Brown shut out LIU in the third quarter as five different Bears scored: Dominik Balla, Filip Josipovic, Colton Bell, Tymcyna and Csendes.
Leading 13-5 entering the final eight minutes, Brown continued to build its advantage. Tymcyna opened the scoring with his fourth of the game before LIU responded with a goal. Jeremy Tachiki then added his first goal of the contest, and Csendes capped off the scoring with his fifth goal of the morning to secure the 16-8 victory.
Dimitrios Kratimenos recorded six saves in goal, while Ryan Miele and Will Corr also saw action in the final quarter.
With the victory over LIU, Director of Water Polo Felix Mercado recorded his 398th career win, becoming the all-time wins leader in Brown men’s water polo history and setting a new program record.
With 398 career wins in his 19 seasons at Brown, Mercado surpassed Collegiate Water Polo Association (CWPA) Hall of Fame member Ed Reed, who previously held the program record with 397 wins during his tenure as head coach from 1974-92.
“I’m incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to coach so many outstanding young men and work alongside so many dedicated coaches over the years,” Mercado said following the win over LIU. “Every one of these wins belongs to the players who put in the work, made the sacrifices, and represented Brown with pride. I’ve always believed that coaches are only as successful as the people they surround themselves with, and I’ve been very fortunate in that regard.”
Since joining Brown in 2007, Mercado has compiled a 398-203 record, leading the Bears to a CWPA Championship title in 2014 and an NCAA Championship appearance in that same season, where Brown finished sixth. The 2014 campaign marked Mercado’s best season, as the Bears posted a 27-7 overall record. Brown also finished as the NWPC runner-up in 2016 and 2024.
“I also want to recognize Ed Reed, Todd Clapper, Erik Farrar, and Jason Gall, who helped build and sustain this program long before I had the opportunity to lead it,” Mercado added. “Ed set a standard that I’ve always respected, and all three deserve recognition for what they’ve contributed to Brown Water Polo. While I’m honored by this milestone, the number itself isn’t what means the most to me. It’s the relationships, the memories, and the opportunity to be part of so many young men’s lives. I’m just fortunate to have been along for the ride. This accomplishment belongs to everyone who has been part of Brown Water Polo.”
Facing NWPC regular season Princeton to cap off the Bears’ regular season, Brown took an early lead over the Tigers in the first quarter. After Princeton opened the scoring, Griffin Tunney quickly responded to balance the scoreboard. Princeton regained the lead moments later, but Csendes tied the game at two-all just 30 seconds later. Tymcyna and Tierney each added a goal to give Brown the lead, and Csendes found the back of the net once more before the end of the quarter.
Holding a 5-3 advantage through eight minutes of competition, the Bears were outscored 7-2 in the second quarter as Princeton took control offensively. Tymcyna and Tierney each added their seconds of the game for Brown.
Trailing 10-7, Csendes scored Brown’s lone goal of the third quarter, completing his second hat trick of the day.
The Bears continued to push offensively in the final eight minutes, looking to overcome a five goal deficit. Balla opened the scoring just 30 seconds into the fourth quarter, and Tymcyna found the back of the net three more times to bring his game total to five goals. Despite Brown’s final offensive surge, the comeback fell short 15-12 as Princeton posted a perfect NWPC regular season record.
Kratimenos played in net for the Bears, while Tymcyna and Csendes led the Brown offense with nine and eight goals, respectively, across the two conference match ups.
Information courtesy Brown University Athletics Communications
