STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The men's water polo team continued its dominant form at the Spiro Sports Center, taking a 19-7 victory over Mercyhurst on Sunday morning. The Seahawks took control early and never looked back, putting together one of their most complete performances of the season.
Wagner opened the match with an explosive first quarter, racing out to a 5-3 lead behind a balanced offensive attack. Senior captain
Laszlo Strasser led the charge with three goals in the opening frame, while sophomore
Matan Friedenberg and senior
Ryan Kerry each added tallies. The Seahawks' defense, anchored by sophomore goalkeeper
Filip Petrovic, kept the Lakers off balance from the start.
The momentum continued into the second quarter, as Wagner extended its lead to 14-4 by halftime. Freshmen
Landon Castillo,
Smith Connors and Tobby Zeeck each found the back of the net twice, while Strasser contributed with another key goal. Wagner's depth was on full display, with nearly every player making an impact on both ends of the pool.
In the third quarter, the Seahawks stayed relentless, outscoring Mercyhurst 3-2. Friedenberg, Zeeck and junior
Gabe Johnson, each converted on the power play to push the lead to 14-6 heading into the final period.
Wagner closed the game with five more goals in the fourth quarter, highlighted by back-to-back strikes from senior
Eliot Alvarez, senior
Ryan Kerry, sophomore
Patrick Ray and Strasser to seal the 19-7 win.
The victory showcased Wagner's offensive depth and defensive discipline, as Petrovic and sophomore
Ian Conway each recorded multiple key saves.
Goals: Strasser (6), Friedenberg (2), Castillo (2), Connors (2), Kerry (2), Zeeck (2), Johnson, Alvarez, Ray
Up next:
The Seahawks now turn their attention to the 2025 MAWPC Championship, hosted by Fordham in the Bronx, New York. Wagner enters postseason play looking to carry its momentum from a strong regular season into the conference tournament. The Green & White will face off against top MAWPC competition, including nationally ranked opponents.
Action begins Friday, Nov. 21, at the Col. Francis B. Messmore Aquatic Center, with match times and seedings to be announced later next week.
