Erie, Pa. - Mercyhurst men's water polo finished out their time in the WWPA Erie Classic inside the Hallman Aquatic Center Sunday morning with a loss. The team took on McKendree with their counterpart able to use a strong opening frame to cruise to a 14-10 final.

How it Happened

McKendree came out of the gates as the aggressors, scoring six times in the opening frame to help stake them to a lead they would never relinquish. The Bearcats scored three times in the opening three minutes, all at even strength to jump out in front before scoring a fourth unanswered goal. The Lakers did managed to get on the board midway through the period to keep from being shutout while Teagan Thomas added on in the waning seconds of the quarter to make it a 6-2 game going into the second period. 

The second stanza was where the Lakers did their best work on offense, scoring five times in the frame. Freshman Asher Jones did a lot of the work for Mercyhurst in the canto as he recorded a trio of goals, scoring the first two of the frame. His work helped the Lakers pull a little closer to their counterpart to make it a 9-7 game going into the break with McKendree in front. 

The third period was one that was back-and-forth as neither team was able to take control of the contest. It was once again Jones getting it done on offense with his fourth goal of the game coming in the frame while Keller Sens also got in on the action. By the end of the tightly contested frame, the Bearcats still found themselves ahead, 12-9. The final frame was a much more defensive period as McKendree looked to slow things down and limit the amount of Mercyhurst possessions. That strategy worked as they waited out their opponent in the four-goal decision.

Highlights

Asher Jones led the way for the Lakers with four goals on the day to go along with one assist for a team-high five points. Keller Sens was close behind with a trio of goals of his own while assisting another for four points.

Next Game

Mercyhurst returns to action this upcoming weekend as they go to Wylan Park, WV to compete in a another WWPA Conference Weekend, hosted by Salem. The Lakers begin their time in the event on Friday, November 3rd against the Tigers at noon followed by a 3:00 p.m. bout with Gannon. They then see McKendree again on the 4th in a 9:00 a.m. start.