Sept. 25, 2007

Stats

Erie, Pa. - The Mercyhurst men's water polo team, sparked by junior Alex Perry, made a furious comeback in the final five minutes of Tuesday's Collegiate Water Polo Association Southern Division, Western Region opener at Gannon. But Gannon, matched the Lakers goal-for-goal and edged Mercyhurst by a 11-10 score.

Entering the final period, the Lakers (4-5, 0-1 CWPA) and Golden Knights(3-5, 1-0) stood at a 6-6 draw, but two quick Gannon goals built the lead to 8-6. Perry quickly cut into the lead with his second goal of the game, but Gannon answered just 30 seconds later.

With just over five minutes remainng, Perry scored to bring Mercyhurst within one. However, nine seconds later, Gannon's Paul Musille scored one of his four goals to re-up the lead. Perry matched Musille one more time, and once again Gannon scored to bring the lead to 11-9.

Mercyhurst freshman Alex Moggridge cut the lead to one with just under three minutes to play, but Gannon goalkeeper Brandon Thomas made several key saves in the final minutes, including one on a game-tying attempt from Perry with eight seconds left.

Perry led the Lakers with four goals, and Moggridge added two. Junior Jake Coin recorded three assists and one steal.

Freshman Andy Sekulski started in goal for the Lakers and played the first and third quarters. He stopped 12 shots while allowing three goals. Senior Kyle Bogucki made four saves and one steal while allowing eight goals.

The Lakers, who were ranked No. 8 in the most recent CWPA poll, host their first home games of the season on Saturday, Sept. 29 in North East, Pa. Mercyhurst takes on Salem International at 2 p.m. and will then have an opportunity to avenge Tuesday's loss to Gannon at 8:30 p.m.