NORTH EAST, Pa.- The Mercyhurst men's water polo team won, 16-12, against Monmouth Saturday night. Alex Strong scored five goals and dished out five assists in the 2014 home opener at the North East Aquatic Center.

After falling behind, 3-2, after a quarter, the Lakers put up five goals in the second, heading into halftime with a 7-6 advantage. A six-goal third period opened up the margin and Mercyhurst held a comfortable lead through the rest of the night.

Strong finished with five goals and five helpers. Dave Matulis scored six goals, adding an assist. Shaquille Mitchell posted a goal and three assists, while Joey Ryan and Joe Yamamoto each compiled three helpers. Samuel Lopez, Jack Howe, Christian Dudley, and Jordan Hodur each scored once. Kevin Doyle made six saves with three steals in net. Gene Bilbao contributed three saves and a steal in his time in net.

Mercyhurst hosts Penn State Behrend tomorrow at 2 p.m. The three Laker seniors-Strong, Lopez, and Gavin Oakley-will be honored before the match.