McBride Ties Program Wins Record as Bucknell University Falls to George Washington University, 12-10, & Trips Division III No. 10 Johns Hopkins University, 16-10, in Mid-Atlantic Water Polo Conference Play
BALTIMORE, Md./WASHINGTON, D.C. — Bucknell University fell at Geroge Washington University, 12-10, and postd a 16-10 victory at Division III No. 10-ranked Johns Hopkins University. The win was No. 223 for head coach John McBride, who ties Dick Russell‘s record for most coaching victories in Bucknell men’s water polo history.
In a hard-fought battle, Bucknell men’s water polo fell to George Washington, despite a strong second-half comeback effort. George Washington established an early lead with a 7-4 run in the first half, setting the tone and leaving Bucknell to play catch-up. Bison goalie David Dumitru capped off the first-half scoring with a rare goal, sparking Bucknell’s energy heading into the break.
In the second half, Bucknell’s offense surged, outscoring George Washington 6-5, though it wasn’t quite enough to close the gap. Hasan Mogultay and Matt Ryckman led Bucknell in scoring, each netting two goals. Teammates Jack Murad, Shay Gillearn, Tyler Hedblad, Aleksa Stefanovic and Sean Tunnicliff each added a goal to the scoreboard.
On the defensive end, Dumitru recorded an impressive 14 saves and contributed two steals. Ian Shultz played a key role with three assists and two steals, while Jovan Udovicic added two assists and led the defense with three steals. Ryckman and Jack Dillane were key in drawing ejections, with each securing five in the match.
While the Bison showed resilience and a fighting spirit, their efforts to close the early deficit ultimately fell short, and George Washington maintained control of the game through to the end.
Against Johns Hopkins, Stefanovic led the way for the Bison, netting an impressive five goals, while Ryckman added three. Contributions poured in from across the roster, with Tunnicliff, Gillearn and Hedblad each notching two goals, and Mogultay and Greg Nordheim adding one apiece.
Bucknell wasted no time establishing control, with Gillearn opening the scoring followed by Ryckman’s pair of back-to-back goals. The Bison surged ahead with an 11-4 first-half run, setting a commanding pace against the Blue Jays. Though the Blue Jays outscored Bucknell in the fourth quarter, it wasn’t enough to close the gap.
On the defensive end, Dumitru stood out with 15 saves, while Gillearn added three steals, and Mogultay and Hedblad each contributed two steals. Maxime Touzot and Ryckman kept up the pressure by drawing seven ejections combined, while Murad and Gillearn both recorded four assists, and Stefanovic added three, solidifying a well-rounded team effort.
Release courtesy Bucknell University Athletics Communications
