Erie, Pa. – The Mercyhurst men's water polo team opened up conference play at home for the first time this year, dropping both matches to Wagner and Fordham.
 
Game 1: Wagner 30, Mercyhurst 12
 
Mercyhurst opened up the scoring in the first quarter with the first goal of the game coming from Asher Jones followed by another scored by Ben Gavran.
 
In the second quarter, Alex Glyde made some spectacular saves. He also tallied up an assist on a goal scored by Declan Puacz. Gavran scored his second goal of the game, while Luke Larson and Ethan Green tallied their first of the game.
 
Puacz added his second early in the third, which came off an assist of Aiden Bottenill. On top of getting goals, he was also playing stellar defense, tallying four steals. Keller Sens was also able to tally up his first goal at home, contributing to the Lakers offense.
 
In the fourth quarter, Nate Lutz got a steal, which led to Puacz getting yet another hat-trick this season.
 
Game 2: Fordham 31, Mercyhurst 7
 
In the first quarter, Asher Jones continued to display his offensive dominance, scoring a goal for the Lakers.
 
In the second quarter, Alex Glyde came up with some steals and saves in order to keep the Lakers close in the game.
 
In the third quarter, Puacz continued to show the hot hand, with yet another goal scored. Caden Stover contributed a goal as well.
 
The fourth quarter was the best quarter both offensively and defensively for the Lakers. Only allowing four goals, Glyde rallied four saves. The Lakers scored four goals, another that came from Declan Puacz and Keller Sens and Luke Larson tallying two goals back-to-back, in just 29 seconds.
 
The Lakers head on the road on Sept. 27 as they play Navy at 11:00 a.m and George Washington at 3:00 p.m.