#15 Navy Uses Dominant Fourth Period to Sail Away from Upset-Minded Bucknell

Sunday, October 4

Lewisburg, Pa.

Noon

Bucknell University

Navy

Photo by: Colin Singleton

#15 Navy Uses Dominant Fourth Period to Sail Away from Upset-Minded Bucknell

10/4/2026 1:11:00 PM | Men's Water Polo

LEWISBURG, Pa.- For three quarters on Sunday, Bucknell (9-7, 4-2 MAWPC) kept pace with No. 15 Navy (12-2, 3-0 MAWPC), thrilling the crowd at Kinney Natatorium. The Midshipmen displayed why they earned their ranking with a 4-0 fourth period to sail away with the 15-8 win and snap Bucknell's six-game winning streak.

The pivotal play arrived late in the third quarter. Jovan Udovicic scored his second goal of the third period with 11 seconds left to cut the deficit to 10-8 Navy. The Midshipmen, like a Yankee clipper ship, sailed down the pool and found the net with one second left.

The goal deflated Bison spirits and Navy rode the momentum wave into the fourth period. Bucknell generated several good looks but couldn't convert. The Mids punished the net four times to ensure against a possible Orange & Blue rally.

The first period was mostly offense optional. Bucknell tied the game at 1-1 on a Jack Dillane goal. Navy answered for the 2-1 lead after one quarter.

The Midshipmen added two more goals in the second stanza before Bucknell replied with tallies by Tyler Hedblad and Hudson Tweed. Bucknell's defiance enraged Navy, who embarked upon a 4-0 run that spilled into the third quarter.

Once again, the Bison answered and cut within 8-5. Bucknell and Navy then traded goals until the score was 10-7, setting the stage for Udovicic's second goal and Navy's response.

Navy's defense held Bucknell to only five scorers. Three Bison led the team with two goals: Dillane, Tweed, and Udovicic. Navy keyed on star freshman Pier Giorgio Cicchetti and held the rookie scoreless.

Bucknell remains at Kinney next Saturday for a conference doubleheader against Route 15 Rival Mount St. Mary's and Mercyhurst.