EMMITSBURG, Md. (October 31, 2021) – Making their home debut in front of a spirited crowd, Mount St. Mary's men's water polo battled George Washington to the final minute. But it was the Colonials who hit a crucial goal at the end to take a 12-11 victory Sunday at the ARCC Swimming Pool.
 
Three Mountaineers completed hat tricks during the game, led by Jason O'Donnell with four goals. Eli Thalos had his hat trick before halftime and freshman Zach Fischer added two crucial second half scores to reach three on the day.
 
Playing ferocious defense, the Mount always kept the contest within a few goals. Marko Kruska tallied 13 saves, and field players kept the Colonial centers at bay, allowing one goal in front of the net.
 
An early start for the home side was upended by the visitors, who scored at the first quarter horn for a 3-2 lead. Trailing 6-4 with two minutes until half, Thalos and Fischer led a rally to tie the contest at the break.
 
Fischer began the second half with a goal on the Mount's first possession, but it would be the last lead the team would hold. George Washington scored four unanswered before O'Donnell scored to pull it back to 10-8 Colonials.
 
That advantage remained into the last two minutes, when the Quebecer finalized his hat trick to make it 11-10. With 45 seconds left, the Colonials found a seam and a gap in the net, punching it home for a 12-10 score. O'Donnell scored again inside of 30 seconds, giving the Mount a chance to steal with the shot clock turned off. The Colonials managed to keep the ball and hold on for the win.
 
Staying put for the rest of the year, Mount St. Mary's hosts Fordham and Wagner next weekend.
 
George Washington 12, Mount St. Mary's 11
 
Team                  1    2    3    4
Mount St. Mary's      2    4    2    3
Bucknell              3    3    4    2
 
Mount St. Mary's Goals: O'Donnell 4, Thalos 3, Fischer 3, Cieplik 1