LEWISBURG, Pa.- The Mercyhurst men's water polo team beat Johns Hopkins, 11-8, at the Collegiate Water Polo Association (CWPA) Southern Championship Friday night. The win puts the Lakers on the verge of advancing to the CWPA Eastern Championship for the first time in program history.

Mercyhurst got out to a 3-1 lead after one quarter and then outscored the Blue Jays, 4-1, in the second period. The Lakers maintained an 8-5 advantage through three and then held on for an 11-8 victory.

Brett Luehmann scored three goals and Isaac Ogloblin and Garret Schoeman each had two scores. Josh Rodriguez, Raul Ariza, Dave Matulis, and James Owen each scored a goal apiece. Schoeman dished out three assists and Matt Cote made 12 saves in goal.

With the win, the third-seeded Lakers need only a victory over Salem International tomorrow to qualify for the CWPA Eastern Championship in two weeks. Mercyhurst (20-5) has never been to Easterns in program history.

The Lakers face Salem International tomorrow at 2:50 p.m. With with a win, Mercyhurst plays at 5:30 p.m. With a loss, the Lakers would play at either 7:50 p.m. or 9 p.m.

For a box score from tonight's game, please click here.