LEWISBURG, Pa.- The Mercyhurst men's water polo team fell, 9-4, at Bucknell in the Collegiate Water Polo Association (CWPA) Southern Championship game Sunday afternoon. Matt Cote recorded seven saves and two steals in goal for the Lakers.

Coming off program-defining wins over Johns Hopkins and Princeton this weekend, the Lakers were looking for their first-ever Southern title. Bucknell presented a tough challenge in their home pool. The Bison led 3-0 after one quarter and 4-2 at halftime. The defensive struggle continued in the second frame, with the hosts scoring the only two goals of the third period. Mercyhurst scored twice in the fourth quarter, but it was not enough.

Garret Schoeman scored two goals and Isaac Ogloblin had a goal and an assist. Dave Matulis added a goal, while Brett Luehmann and William Page each had an assist. Cote had a stellar game, allowing nine goals and making seven stops in net.

Coach Curtis Robinette's group is now 21-6 and will head to Princeton for its first-ever appearance at the CWPA Eastern Championship in two weeks. The Lakers will be seeded third in the tournament due to the alternating seed format employed by the event.

For complete results from Southerns, please click here.