STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The Wagner College men’s water polo team earned victories over Bucknell University, 18-16, and Mount St. Mary’s University, 14-10, on Senior Day for the Seahawks.
Prior to the second game versus the Mountaineers, eight seniors were honored for the contributions throughout their Seahawks’ careers.
In the day’s opener, Bucknell came out strong by scoring the first three goals of the game to take an early lead. However, Wagner quickly responded, and the first quarter ended in a five-all tie as both teams fought to gain the upper hand.
In the second quarter, the Seahawks edged ahead just before halftime, with senior Andrew Cowie scoring a crucial goal with 49 seconds left to give Wagner an 8-7 lead at the break.
The Seahawks maintained their momentum in the third quarter, fending off a determined push from the Bison to hold a 14-12 advantage going into the final eight minutes.
With the game on the line in the fourth quarter, freshman Matan Friedenberg delivered a pivotal goal with 2:28 remaining, putting the Green & White ahead 17-16. Wagner’s defense held strong in the final minutes, allowing them to close out the game with a hard-fought 18-16 victory.
Kyle Chambers (six), Cowie (three), Friedenberg (three), Patrick Ray (two), Gabe Johnson, Smith Connors, Kristian Stanczewski and Luis Camino Sosa combined for Wagner’s 18 goals in the win.
In the late game versus Mount St. Mary’s, the Mountaineers struck first, taking an early 1-0 lead, but Wagner quickly responded. By the end of the first quarter, the Seahawks led 3-1.
In the second quarter, Wagner expanded their advantage with a strong 6-3 performance, bringing the score to 9-4 by halftime.
A pivotal moment came at the end of the third quarter when Connors scored a goal with just 0.9 seconds remaining to push Wagner’s lead to 10-5 heading into the final eight minutes of regulation.
In the final quarter, Wagner’s defense remained firm, and senior Camino Sosa sealed the victory by scoring the final goal of the game as the Seahawks held on for the 14-10 win.
For Wagner, Friedenberg (four), Ray (three), Connors (three), Cowie (two), Camino Sosa and Stanczewski swished shots in the victory.
Information courtesy Wagner College Athletics Communications
