Sept. 25, 2005

North East, Pa. - Washington & Jefferson jumped to an early 4-1 lead, then had to hang on to edge stubborn Mercyhurst 11-10 in the 2005 home-opener for the Lakers. Mercyhurst dropped to 3-4 overall and to 1-2 in the College Water Polo Association (CWPA) while the Presidents remained perfect at 4-0.

W & J led 4-1 after a quarter, 7-4 at halftime, and 9-6 after three. But Mercyhurst, without three starters due to foul outs, refused to fold and outscored the Presidents 4-2 in the final quarter to make things interesting until the very end.

Six different players scored for Mercyhurst led by Zach Bell, Mihailo Jovanovic, and Andrew Schonhoff with two goals apiece. Patrick Staab went the distance in goal and was credited with six saves and a steal.

Mercyhurst will resume action Thursday when it entertains Slippery Rock at 7:00pm. The Rock downed Mercyhurst 13-6 earlier this month at Slippery Rock.

Mercyhurst goals: Bell 2, Jovanovic 2, Schonhoff 2, Kevin Riordan, Jorge Montero, Kyle Wilson, Oscar Calderon

Mercyhurst assists: Wilson 2, Bell 2, Calderon 2, Montero 2, Riordan, Chad Ward

Mercyhurst goalie: Patrick Staab made six saves and had a steal