Water polo starts the season with 1-3 record
The Gannon University men’s water polo team kicked off their season at the United States Naval Academy Tournament Saturday.
Over the two-day event the Knights battled the likes of the United States Naval Academy, Bucknell University, Lindenwood University and John Hopkins University.
Gannon’s first match of the season was against the host school United States Naval Academy Saturday. The midshipmen, who are ranked 14th in the Collegiate Water Polo Association, easily overcame the Knights as they were able to jump out to a 10-0 lead at halftime.
Led by senior Greg Naranjo, the Knights were able to score eight goals in the second half on the Naval Academy. Sophomore Daisuke Takagi along with freshmen Tytus Kwiatkowski and Marc Krolikiewicz also chipped in on the scoreboard for Gannon.
Little went right for the Knights in their later meet Saturday as they were defeated 22-3 by Bucknell University. Senior Stephen Espinet, junior Phil Myrick and Kwiatkowski accounted for all three goals while senior Neal Zoellick made seven stops.
Despite dropping their first two matches, the Knights returned to the pool to snatch a 13-11 victory away from Lindenwood University.
Naranjo and Myrick both led the team in scoring with four goals. The win marked the only time in five games, dating back to last season, where the Knights scored double-digit goals. Zoellick made five saves in the winning effort.
Gannon couldn’t keep their offensive momentum going in the afternoon as John Hopkins was able to bottle its attack. The Blue Jays were victorious 19-4.
The Knights take a 1-3 record into their next meet at Washington and Jefferson College Saturday at 11 p.m. Gannon was able to beat the Presidents in two games last season by a combined score of 29-23.
johnson126@gannon.edu
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