Mercyhurst University Falls to George Washington University, 17-8, Division III No. 10 Johns Hopkins University, 21-18, & Division III No. 7 Occidental College, 16-6, to Start 2024 Season
ANNAPOLIS, Md. — The Mercyhurst University men’s water polo team opened up their first season in Division I at the Navy Open hosted by the United States Naval Academy with losses to George Washington University, 17-8, Division III No. 10-ranked John Hopkins University, 21-18, and Division III No. 7 Occidental College, 16-6.
The Lakers played their first game against George Washington on Saturday, September 7, and fell in a 17-8 match. Junior Owen Gardner opened his season strong with two goals in the opening game after being named an Association of Collegiate Water Polo Coaches (ACWPC) Division II All-America a season ago. Sophomore Asher Jones also put two points on the board, but in the end the offensive attack from George Washington was too much. Sophomore Kai De Orebeta, senior Andrija Sekulic and freshman Joseph McCreary each scored three goals for George Washington in the victory.
In the Lakers’ second game on September 7, Johns Hopkins garnered a 21-18 victory over Mercyhurst. Petar Vujovic scored nine times for Mercyhurst, while Owen Hardner chipped in four markers. The Blue Jays scored three goals in the final three minutes to secure the win over the Lakers. Senior Ian Raley led the Blue Jays with seven goals.
The Lakers final match of the weekend came against Occidental on September 8 with the Tigers clawing their way to a 16-6 win. Jones scored two goals for the Lakers. Senior Aiden Cawley, sophomore Zane Derrod and sophomore Lars Schubert led Occidental with hat tricks.
Release courtesy Mercyhurst University Athletics Communications
