ERIE, Pa.- The Mercyhurst men's water polo team won the 2012 Collegiate Water Polo Association (CWPA) Division II Eastern Championship Saturday, defending its 2011 crown. The Lakers defeated Salem International, 19-14, and then beat Gannon, 18-5, in the title contest. Brett Luehmann was named tournament most valuable player after totaling nine goals and four assists in the event, hosted at Gannon University.

In the championship tilt, Mercyhurst roared out to a 4-0 lead after one quarter and a 10-0 advantage at halftime. The Lakers rolled to victory from there, taking home their second straight CWPA Division II Eastern title. Luehmann scored five goals and dished out two assists. Garret Schoeman posted two goals and four assists, while Isaac Ogloblin had four goals and a helper. James Owen added three goals and an assist. Matt Cote made 15 saves in goal.

Luehmann was voted tournament MVP by the coaches competing in the event. He was joined by Schoeman on the all-tournament squad. Luehmann was on the 2011 all-tournament team after leading the Lakers to the championship.

In the opener against Salem, Mercyhurst went ahead, 6-3, after one period and then scored seven times in the second quarter. Salem's offense came alive in the second half, but it was not enough as the Lakers won by five. Luehmann led the way with four goals and two assists. Schoeman had three goals and one assist and Colin McDonald compiled two goals and two helpers. Josh Rodriguez recorded a hat trick, while Raul Ariza had two goals and an assist. Ogloblin and Dave Matulis each had a goal and two helpers. Cote played the first half, making five saves. Travis Pulford stopped four shots in the second half.

Coach Curtis Robinette's squad improved to 19-5 in 2012. The win total is the highest in program history. The team awaits word on its seed in the CWPA Southern Championships. Bucknell University will host the event, scheduled for November 2-3.