Men's Water Polo Dominates Mount St. Mary’s to Claim Fifth Place at MAWPC Championship

Annapolis, Md. – A commanding offensive performance and steady defensive effort helped Bucknell secure a 23-11 victory over Mount St. Mary's on Sunday morning, earning the Bison a fifth-place finish in the Mid-Atlantic Water Polo Conference Championship. David Dumitru shone in goal, recording 14 saves and earning Player of the Game honors.

Bucknell established an early lead, holding Mount St. Mary's to just three goals in the first half while netting 14 of their own. Six different players contributed to the scoring spree, with junior Aleksa Stefanovic and senior Shay Gillearn leading the way, combining for eight first-half goals. Jovan Udovicic also added four to the tally.

The Bison maintained their momentum in the second half, with Stefanovic opening the scoring after the break. While Mount St. Mary's managed five goals in the third quarter to narrow the gap to 19-8, Bucknell responded decisively in the final period. Gillearn, senior Matt Ryckman, and Stefanovic – who finished the day with eight goals – added to the scoring, sealing the win.

In addition to Stefanovic's standout performance, Gillearn tallied five goals, Udovicic scored four, and seven other Bison found the back of the net: Sean Tunnicliff, Ryckman, Jack Murad, Tyler Hedblad, Maxime Touzot, and Greg Nordheim each scored once. The balanced attack and Dumitru's stellar effort in goal ensured a dominant finish to Bucknell's tournament campaign.