BRONX, N.Y. (November 22, 2025) – Mount St. Mary's men's water polo claimed a 14-8 victory against Mercyhurst in the MAWPC Second Round Consolation Game. With the win, the Mountaineers move to a record of 11-22 and book their spot in the conference 5^th place game against Bucknell tomorrow, November 23 at 9:00 a.m.  
 
The Mountaineers started on the back foot in the first quarter, going down 2-1 to the Lakers by the period's end. A goal from Nate Valentine on the left wing to open the quarter was all that played out for the Mount as the Mercyhurst defense frustrated them early.
 
It did not take long for the Mount to tie the game in the second, as Ioannis Skliras scored during the team's second possession from the penalty spot to tie the game. William Matthews took the lead for the Mount, scoring off the power play for a 3-2 lead. Skliras scored again followed by two more goals from Matthews for the Mountaineers, completing his second quarter hat trick. Skliras completed his hat trick at the end of the quarter, scoring at the goalkeeper near-post to take a 7-3 lead into halftime.
 
Chrysostomos Valavanis got the scoring started for the Mount in the third, scoring his signature goal from the holeset. Gunner Lanquist also notched a score from the center, beating the goalkeeper on the power play for a 9-4 lead.
 
Up 9-6 heading into the fourth and final quarter, the Mountaineer offense finally shifted into another gear to start the fourth, firing five goals past the Lakers within the first three minutes of the final period. After staying silent for the third quarter, Matthews once again cemented his performance on offense, scoring four unanswered goals alone for the Mount in the fourth. The Mountaineers final goal came on the left wing from Ayden Hess, as the senior capitalized on the power play for the score, rounding out the game for the Mount.
 
Matthews led the Mountaineer offense against Mercyhurst, recording seven goals from nine shots with a completed steal and a drawn exclusion. Skliras also had a fantastic day in the pool, scoring a hat trick while dishing out four assists. And Sherif Hosni recorded 14 saves in goal against the Lakers while completing three steals.
 
Mount St. Mary's 14, Mercyhurst 8

Team                          1    2    3    4     F 
Mount St. Mary's              1    6    2    5     14
Mercyhurst                    2    1    3    2     8
 
Goals: Matthews 7, Skliras 3, Valavanis 1, Lanquist 1, Valentine 1, Hess 1
 
Saves: Hosni 14
 
UP NEXT
 
The Mountaineers return to the Bronx tomorrow, November 23 for a showdown with Bucknell in the MAWPC 5^th Place game at 9:00 a.m.