Oct. 27, 2007

Cambridge, Mass. - The banner season for the Mercyhurst men's water polo team and head coach Curtis Robinette continued Saturday in Cambridge, Mass., as the Lakers defeated Gannon 13-8 to capture the Division II Eastern Championship for the first time in school history.

The victory also marks the Lakers 13th win of the season, which sets the school's single season record for wins. It is also the first time in program history that Mercyhurst has earned two wins over arch rival Gannon.

It was Gannon that defeated Mercyhurst in the Division II Eastern Championship final a year ago, but on Saturday, Mercyhurst all-time leading scorer, junior Andrew Schonhoff, totaled four goals, one assist and one steal to lead the way. For his efforts, he was named tournament MVP.

Gannon led 2-1 after the first period and boosted the edge to 3-1 until the Lakers answered with three-straight goals in the final 2:44 to taking a 4-3 lead at the half. The lead extended to 7-5 after three periods, and in the fourth, Mercyhurst totaled six goals to run away with the win.

Senior Kevin Riordan scored twice and recorded one assist. Junior Alex Perry also added a pair of goals. Freshman Alex Moggridge, junior Oscar Calderon, freshman Trevor McIlwaine and Ashton Farrell each scored once.

Freshman Andy Sekulski recorded eight saves in goal.

With the win, the Lakers advance to play Division III Eastern Champion MIT for the Small School Championship on Sunday at 11:45 a.m.