Erie, Pa. - Mercyhurst men's water polo picked up their second win in as many days Sunday afternoon with their win over Penn State Behrend. The Lakers battled the Lions throughout with the deficit never growing to move than four. Six unanswered goals in the middle stanzas of the contest helped Mercyhurst come away victorious in the 12-11 final.

How it Happened

PSB came out of the gates as the better team as they managed to grab ahold of a 4-2 lead at the end of the first period of play. Owen Hardner continued his hot weekend with the opening goal of the game while Matej Kovacevic scored the other of the team's two goals in the frame. 

After the Lions claimed a 6-4 lead in the second, the Lakers went on a run that helped them claim all the momentum, and eventually the win. The team scored six straight goals with half of those closing out the opening half of play while the other three beginning the third. It was once again Hardner doing the heavy lifting on offense for Mercyhurst as he scored the trio of second period goals for the team, helping give the Lakers a 7-6 lead at the break.

Hardner got back to action in the third with one goal while Teagan Thomas and JP Kirouac had the other two goals in the frame for the team while holding their counterparts to just one score to help make it a 10-7 game going into the final period of play.

PSB put together a strong effort in the fourth as they tried to mount the comeback with four goals to their line. Mercyhurst managed to stave off their efforts thanks to a pair of goals in the frame to help secure the win. Thomas had the first of the pair of goals while a late score from Keller Sens proved to be the final nail in the coffin in the one-goal win.

Highlights

Owen Hardner led the way on offense for the Lakers with five goals to his line. Teagan Thomas and Keller Sens joined their teammate with multiple goals in the game while Matej Kovacevic and JP Kirouac both had one. Tony Golin was once again solid in the goal with 20 saves to his line while allowing only 11 goals.

Next Game

Mercyhurst gets some time off before their next contest as they do not compete again until Friday, October 13th, when they travel to face the Presidents of Washington & Jefferson in a 6:00 p.m. start.