SALEM, W. Va.- The Mercyhurst men's water polo team won the Collegiate Water Polo Association (CWPA) Division II Eastern Championships Saturday. The Lakers defeated Notre Dame College, 13-12, in the title game to take home the trophy. Hurst also beat the hosts, Salem International, in the first round. Coach Curtis Robinette earned his 100th career win in the finals.

In the finals, the Falcons went ahead 3-1 after one quarter and led 5-3 at halftime. The Lakers came out hot in the second half, scoring five third-quarter goals to trail 10-8 through three frames. In a tense fourth period, the two teams exchanged the lead several times. Notre Dame went ahead 12-11 with 3:40 left before Danilo Svorcan tied the contest with just over two minutes to play. In the game's final seconds, Brett Luehmann drew an ejection and scored with six seconds remaining. James Owen had the assist.

Luehmann totaled six goals and two assists, while Owen had three goals and three assists. Svorcan and Alex Strong each scored two goals, while Colin McDonald recorded three helpers. Matt Cote had seven saves in net for the victory.

Hurst beat Salem in the first round, 12-2. Coach Curtis Robinette's squad had a balanced attack, with Svorcan, Owen, and Nick Carmoney each scoring twice. Luis Solis posted three assists. Brandon Yasses got the win in net, making 11 saves.

Strong and Luehmann were both named to all-tournament team following the event. 

The Lakers face Johns Hopkins tomorrow at Penn State Behrend. The match is slated for a 10:30 a.m. start.