ANNAPOLIS, Md. – The Mercyhurst College men's water polo team posted its highest finish ever at the Collegiate Water Polo Association Southern Championship Tournament by taking fifth placeon Sunday afternoon in Annapolis, Md.

The Lakers, who finish their season with a school-record 18 wins (18-10), fell to Bucknell 10-7 in the first game before defeating Washington & Jefferson 16-10 and George Washington 10-8. Despite finishing in the top-5, the Lakers needed to crack the top-4 to keep their season alive, as teams finishing 1-4 qualify for the Eastern Tournament.

Mercyhurst wrapped up its stay in Maryland with a come from behind victory over George Washington in Sunday's fifth-place game. Trailing 6-3 midway through the third quarter, the Lakers tied the game at six before outscoring their opponent 4-2 in the fourth. Freshman Danilo Svorcan led the charge with six goals, three of which came in the final quarter of play.

Along with Svorcan, senior Kane Ashton, sophomore William Page and freshmen Colin McDonald and Brett Luehmann all got in on the scoring action with a goal apiece. Senior Andy Sekulski preserved the win with 12 saves.

In the team's first win, the Lakers used a 7-4 first quarter to turn aside the Presidents and advance to play George Washington. After a 3-2 second, Mercyhurst and the Presidents tied in the third, 2-2, before a 4-2 Laker outburst put the game away.

Junior Josh Rodriguez scored a game-high four goals, Page netted three and Svorcan had two to round out the mutiple-goal scorers. Freshman Matt Cote recorded the victory in goal with 10 saves.

Bucknell spoiled the Lakers debut at the CWPA Southern Championship by defeating them 10-7 in the opening game. Leading 5-4 at halftime, the Bison exploded with a 4-1 edge in the third before exchanging goals with the Lakers, 2-2, in the fourth.

Luehmann led the team this time, scoring a hat trick, while Svorcan, sophomore Ian Tasman, Ashton and Rodriguez each had a goal. Sekulski recorded 11 saves and two steals in the loss.