Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell University
#20 Princeton
Late Goal by Aleksic Propels Bucknell Men's Water Polo to Eastern Championship Title Game
11/17/2012 7:00:00 AM | Men's Water Polo
Nov. 17, 2012
PRINCETON, N.J. –Freshman Stefan Aleksic scored what proved to be the game-winning goal with 1:48 remaining as the No. 15 Bucknell men's water polo team advanced to the Eastern Championship title game with a 7-6 victory over No. 20 and host Princeton Saturday afternoon at DeNunzio Pool. The Bison, who will face No. 12 St. Francis (N.Y.) for the championship, will be making their first appearance in the title game since 1993.
Bucknell (17-13) extended its winning streak to seven games, its longest since claiming nine in a row in 2007, as it recorded its second straight one-goal victory over the Tigers this year. It was also the team's third straight win over a ranked opponent and fifth overall this season.
The game was close throughout as neither team led by more than two goals and there were five lead changes. The Bison's largest lead was just one goal.
The score was deadlocked at 5-5 entering the fourth quarter when Brian Barron capped a 3-0 Bison run with a go-ahead goal with 4:46 to play. The Tigers tied it back up at 6-6, but Aleksic's second goal of the contest gave Bucknell the lead with less than two minutes to play and the Bison hung on for the victory.
Bucknell had a balanced scoring attack as six different players found the back of the net. Aleksic was the only multi-goal scorer for the Bison.
Goalie Matt Napleton had a strong game for Bucknell, posting 11 saves and a steal while allowing just the six goals.
Sunday's championship game is slated for 2:30 p.m. The winner will earn the CWPA's automatic berth into the NCAA Championship. The Bison have not qualified for the NCAA Championship since 1985. Bucknell and St. Francis met once during the regular season with the Terriers posting an 8-7 win at September's Princeton Invitational.
BUCKNELL 1 2 2 2 -7
PRINCETON 1 1 3 1 -6
Goals: Aleksic (2), Else, Nowlin, Somers, Barron, Kimble.
Assists: Colina (2).
Field Blocks: Aleksic (3), Barron (2), Kimble (2), Nowlin.
Ejections Drawn: Else (5), Nowlin (2), Colina (2), Kimble.
Saves: Napleton (11 svs., 6 ga., 32:00 min.).
Steals: Aleksic (2), Hale (2), Nowlin (2), Somers, Norton, Napleton.
Sprints: Barron (3-4).
Bucknell Record: 17-13.
