EMMITSBURG, Md. (October 8, 2021) – A resilient Mount St. Mary's men's water polo squad withstood a 4-0 start by the #17 Fordham Rams, showing bright spots for the remainder of the contest in a 19-10 defeat.
 
Five different Mountaineers scored in the game, led by Jason O'Donnell with a hat trick. Goalkeeper Marko Kruska made 11 saves during a busy day and the defense prevented several opportunities that kept the Rams below the 20-goal mark.
 
The 4-0 outburst dealt a punch within the first two minutes of the game, as Fordham went 4-for-4 from the field before the Mount got off a shot. But for the rest of the quarter, the visitors held the Rams to one goal. Michael Lemishko scored twice to cut the game to 5-2. Fordham's defense stalled a comeback chance in the second frame, limiting the Mount to one score. On top of that, the Rams tallied three goals in the final two minutes to lead 11-3 at the break.
 
Jason Fitch and Kiahi Horan delivered a good response to start the second half, helping the Mount gain a 4-3 advantage for the third quarter. O'Donnell put the cherry on top with a score at the one-minute mark. The final minutes played back-and-forth, as Fordham edged the Mount 5-3. Eli Thalos chimed in with a pair of goals.
 
The team's record dropped to 5-9 (1-2 MAWPC) on the season. Next up is a conference game with Wagner on Saturday (Oct. 9) morning.
 
Fordham 19, Mount St. Mary's 10
 
Team                                   1             2             3             4
Mount St. Mary's               2             1             4             3
Fordham                             5             6             3             5
 
Mount St. Mary's Goals: O'Donnell 3, Lemishko 2, Horan 2, Thalos 2, Fitch 1