ERIE, Pa. – The Mercyhurst men's water polo team continued their season at the final day of the Laker Invitational. The Lakers ultimately lost to the Mountaineers, with a score of 24-8.
 
The Mount opened up the first quarter with the game's first goal 18 seconds in. Ben Gavran quickly got that goal back for the Lakers, and tied the game. The Mount proceeded to score back-to-back goals, further extending their lead. Gavran scored his second goal of the game, keeping the Lakers in the game. The Mountaineers proceeded to score three more goals, taking a 6-2 lead going into the second quarter.
 
Going into the second, the Mount score four consecutive goals to open the quarter, pushing their lead to nine. The Lakers scored on a penalty shot from Aiden Ivory, displaying the fight that they have. The Mount proceeded to score before Aiden Botterill scored to reduce the deficit to 12-4, going into halftime.
 
Botterill kept the momentum going, scoring the first goal of the third quarter for the Lakers, narrowing the deficit to seven. The Mount responded with a goal before Mercyhurst responded with a goal of their own coming from Gavran scoring his third of the game, giving him a hat trick on the day. The Mount responded with back-to-back goals, pushing their lead back to nine. The Lakers responded with a goal coming from Declan Puacz, but the Mount immediately got their goal back. Puacz scored again for the Lakers, taking a 16-8 deficit heading into the fourth quarter.
 
Going into the fourth quarter, the Mount scored eight straight goals, taking a 24-8 victory over the Lakers.
 
The Lakers return to the pool when they face off against Navy on Saturday, Oct. 3. Coverage is set to begin at 1 p.m.
 
View the 2026 schedule here.