Staten Island, NY – The Wagner College Water Polo team kicks off the 2010 regular season on Saturday at Bucknell University's Bison Invitational in Lewisburg, PA. The Seahawks, who claimed their third Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Regular Season Championship in program history last spring, return 11 letter winners including co-Defensive Player of the Year Kelsey Rodgers (Anaheim Hills, CA/Canyon/Fullerton JC).

The Seahawks' weekend schedule starts with a 12:45 PM match up against the George Washington University Colonials on Saturday. Later that day Wagner plays the host team, the Bucknell University Bison, at 5:45 PM. The action continues early Sunday morning with the Seahawks playing the Mercyhurst College Lakers at 9:45 AM. The Green and White close out the tournament against the University of Maryland Terps at 2:45 PM.

The Seahawks face stiff competition this weekend. In the program's seven-year history, Wagner has a combined 10-16 record against their four scheduled opponents, with eight of those wins coming against George Washington University (8-2 life time). At the event last year, Wagner finished 1-3 with their only win coming against the Colonials, 11-5.

Rodgers enters the season as the anchor of the Seahawks' defense. In 2009 she helped Wagner to 16 wins, including an 8-2 conference mark. Her 11.25 saves per game average in 2009 ranks second-best all time in conference history. With Rodgers at the helm, Wagner's defense led the MAAC in goals against average, allowing only 7.24 scores per contest. In addition to being named team captain, Rodgers earned a spot on the Preseason All-Conference team released last Friday.

Junior Natalie Pyrz (Harleysville, PA/Souderton Area) returns as the team's leading point scorer. The third year attacker has 77 career points from 37 goals and 40 assists. Pyrz scored 20 of her 25 goals against conference opponents last season, including 15 goals in the first six games of their 2009 MAAC schedule. Also back for the Seahawks in second-year stand out Lauren French (Shillington, PA/North Penn). In her rookie season, French led the team with 35 steals and 35 KO's Drawn. She was fourth on the team in goals scored (26) and third in assists (18). Like Rodgers, French was also named to the Preseason All-Conference squad.

For the Wagner water polo program this weekend has a special significance with Head Coach Pat Beemer one win away from 100 career victories. Beemer ranks first on the College's all-time wins list with a 99-69 overall record. During his tenure, the Seahawks boast a 77.8% winning percentage against Conference opponents, three Conference regular season championships, and two Conference tournament championships.

Statistics and recaps for this weekend's action will be available on the Wagner Athletics' site at the end of each day. For the up-to-date scores click here.