Bucknell University
Mercyhurst
Nine Bison Score Goals in Men's Water Polo's 16-6 Win Over Mercyhurst
11/1/2015 2:48:00 PM | Men's Water Polo
LEWISBURG, Pa. – Sean Daley equaled his career high with eight points (3g, 5a) and was one of nine Bison to score goals in No. 14 Bucknell men's water polo's 16-6 victory over Mercyhurst Sunday afternoon at Kinney Natatorium. It was the final game of the regular season for the Bison, who improved to 14-9 on the year and will now ready themselves for next weekend's Southern Championships.
Bucknell was dominant in the contest, scoring six goals in the first period, including three in the first 3:07 of play. The Bison led 10-3 at halftime and fifth-year head coach John McBride utilized a lineup full of reserves for the entire third quarter. After Mercyhurst (10-6) trimmed an eight-goal deficit to six (12-6) at the end of the third quarter, Bucknell scored the final four goals of the game and held the Lakers scoreless over the final 9:52.
In addition to matching his career high for points, Daley equaled his career high for assists, with four of them coming on consecutive goals in the first half. The junior now has a team-high 43 assists this season, just one shy of his career high.
Nate Hunter matched Daley for team-high honors with three goals, while Marko Djordjevic, Jeff Hagen and Ratimir Babic had two goals apiece.
Bucknell won all four sprints, converted 2 of 4 six-on-five opportunities and tallied a penalty shot as it improved to 12-1 all-time against Mercyhurst. The Bison also improved to 9-1 at home this season.
Mercyhurst (10-6) was led on the offensive end by two goals from both Connor Schmitz and Dave Matulis.
Bucknell will now prepare for next weekend's Southern Championships, which will take place at Kinney Natatorium. The three-day event begins Friday with Sunday's championship game slated for 2:20 p.m.
MERCYHURST 2 1 3 0 -6
BUCKNELL 6 4 2 4 -16
Goals: Daley (3), Hunter (3), Djordjevic (2), Hagen (2), Babic (2), Bolanca, Moore, Coleman, Farmer.
Assists: Daley (5), Aleksic, Wilder, Thayer, Niehaus.
Ejections Drawn: Hagen (2), Hunter, Babic, Coleman.
Steals: Aleksic (4), Stupp (2), Bolanca, Djordjevic, Daley, Thayer, Coleman, Farmer.
Saves: Niehaus (8 svs., 6 ga., 32:00 min.).
Sprints: Daley (1-1), Bolanca (1-1), Stupp (1-1), Coleman (1-1).
Bucknell Record: 14-9.
