WASHINGTON, Pa. – The Mercyhurst men's water polo team opened its 2025 season at the Washington & Jefferson Invitational last weekend, dropping three closely contested matches.

The Lakers began play Friday with a scrimmage against the Pittsburgh Masters, falling 17–12. On Saturday, they returned to the pool for games against Penn State Behrend and tournament host Washington & Jefferson, suffering narrow defeats by scores of 12–11 and 16–15.

Game 1: Pittsburgh Masters 17, Mercyhurst 12 (Scrimmage)

Mercyhurst opened the match with five first-period goals from Caden Stover, Asher Jones, Declan Puacz, Ethan Green and Ben Gavran to take a 5–4 lead.

In the second quarter, Green scored his second goal, while Auggie Paredes and Nate Cheney also added tallies. Cooper Venneman recorded an assist and a steal, but the Lakers trailed 10–8 at halftime.

Puacz added his second goal early in the third, assisted by Aidan Ivory. Alex Glyde contributed on both ends, recording a save and assisting on Jones's second goal of the match.

Cheney's fourth-quarter steal set up an offensive push, and Daniel Goldgisser assisted Puacz on his third goal of the game, earning him a hat trick.

Game 2: Penn State Behrend 12, Mercyhurst 11

The Lakers started strong defensively in their second game, with Green registering a steal that led to a goal by Jones, assisted by Gavran. Stover scored later in the period off a pass from Nate Lutz.

In the second quarter, Goldgisser notched a steal to spark another offensive run. Paredes scored twice and Petar Vujovic added a goal, narrowing the deficit.

Luke Larson and Keller Sens contributed goals in the third quarter, with Sens finding the net twice more in the fourth to finish with four total. Paredes completed his hat trick, but the Lakers came up just short.

Game 3: Washington & Jefferson 16, Mercyhurst 15

Mercyhurst again opened with strong defensive play in their final match. Puacz recorded a steal that led to a Gavran goal. Cheney added a block to help maintain momentum.

In the second period, Goldgisser assisted Larson for a goal, while Jones and Cheney kept the pressure up defensively. Larson scored again off another Cheney block.

Puacz recorded a natural hat trick in the third quarter, scoring three goals, including one assisted by Gavran. Jones added another tally to tie the match heading into the fourth.

In the final period, Jones assisted Goldgisser on a goal before Goldgisser scored again moments later. Puacz added two more goals, but the Lakers fell in another one-goal decision.

The Lakers will make their home debut Sept. 20, hosting Wagner at 11 a.m. and Fordham at 3 p.m.