Men's Water Polo Opens Season with Two Ranked Losses

Friday, August 28

San Diego, Calif.

12:30 p.m. ET/9:30 a.m. PT

Bucknell University

UC San Diego

Photo by: Breanna Ruppel

Men's Water Polo Opens Season with Two Ranked Losses

8/28/2026 9:31:00 PM | Men's Water Polo

SAN DIEGO, Calif.- Bucknell (0-2) opened the season at the Triton Invitational against two ranked opponents. The Bison competed well against #12 UC San Diego (2-0) and #7 Long Beach State (2-0), falling 19-9 to UC San Diego and 28-15 to Long Beach State.

UC San Diego Recap

Jack Dillane led the Bison with three goals.

Bucknell kept pace with the host Tritons for three quarters before UC San Diego pulled away in the final period. The Bison trailed just 12-8 entering the fourth quarter, but UC San Diego's depth proved decisive as the Tritons outscored the Bison 7-1.

UC San Diego scored five goals in each of the first two quarters, while Bucknell responded with five goals of its own.

The Bison came out of halftime strong, outscoring the Tritons 3-2 in the third quarter.

Bucknell switched goalkeepers in the fourth quarter, allowing JR Lindberg to make his collegiate debut.

Long Beach State Recap

Tyler Hedblad and Hudson Tweed each scored three goals to pace Bucknell. The Bison converted 15 of 27 shots, but Long Beach State's offense proved too much for the Orange & Blue.

Long Beach State scored eight goals in the opening quarter to Bucknell's four. The two teams were evenly matched in the second quarter, each tallying five goals.

Long Beach State pulled away in the second half, outscoring the Bison 15-6.

Up Next

The Bison face Occidental and #1 UCLA tomorrow.