Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell University
Salem International
Men's Water Polo Drops Salem International, 12-2
9/17/2017 2:38:00 PM | Men's Water Polo
LEWISBURG, Pa. – The No. 18 Bucknell men's water polo team wrapped up the Bison Invitational with a commanding 12-2 victory over Salem International Sunday afternoon at Kinney Natatorium.
The Bison (4-6) outscored the Tigers (3-5), 8-0, in the second half to finish an unblemished 3-0 at their home tournament.
Bucknell was again led by Rade Joksimovic, who recorded five goals and one assist. Joksimovic, who posted nine points (6g-3a) against La Salle and eight (5g-3a) against Mercyhurst on Saturday, averaged nearly eight per game at the Bison Invitational.
Marko Djordjevic (3g-3a) also registered six points while Tommy Stupp (1g-3a) was the only other Bison who enjoyed a multi-point showing against Salem International.
Jeff Hagen had a strong showing defensively, drawing six ejections and tying Joksimovic for the team lead with three steals. Charlie Niehaus finished with 11 saves in net.
With just over a minute remaining in the second quarter, the Tigers drew within one, but Joksimovic took a long pass from Djordjevic and netted the first of his five goals with 17 seconds on the clock to give the Bison a two-goal cushion.
After that, it was all Bucknell. Joksimovic scored three of the next four goals, including one on a penalty shot drawn by Hagen. The Bison put an exclamation mark on their 10th-straight home victory by finding the back of the cage five times in the fourth quarter.
Bucknell has now won 10 in a row at Kinney Natatorium. The Bison are 25-4 in their home pool since the beginning of the 2015 campaign.
Bucknell returns to action next weekend when it begins MWPC play at Johns Hopkins, Georgetown and Navy.
SALEM 0 2 0 0 -2
BUCKNELL 2 2 3 5 -12
Goals: Joksimovic (5), Djordjevic (3), Dolan, Hagen, Schofield, Stupp
Assists: Djordjevic (3), Stupp (3), Bolanca, Joksimovic, Niehaus
Ejections Drawn: Hagen (6), Schofield (2), Blackwell, Bolanca, Djordjevic
Steals: Hagen (3), Joksimovic (3), Stupp (3), Dolan (2), Jacuzzi (2), Bolanca, Stanley
Saves: Niehaus (11 svs., 2 ga., 32:00 min.)
Sprints: Joksimovic (2-2), Stupp (1-2)
