STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The Wagner men's water polo team successfully defended its home pool playing with 16-13 victory over local rival Iona on Friday night at the Spiro Sports Center.

The Seahawks started strong in the opening frame, building an early 4-3 advantage. Wagner responded with goals from junior captain Smith Connors, senior captain Patrick Ray and senior Gabe Johnson to keep the team within striking distance after the first eight minutes.
 
In the second quarter, the Green & White fought throughout the period, however the Gaels took control of the frame. Connors recorded a hat trick to send Wagner into halftime behind 7-8.
 
The third quarter proved to be a battle as both teams traded three goals apiece. Freshman Harry Colley, and Connors each found the back of the net to help the Seahawks stay within striking distance 10-12 heading into the final frame.
 
Wagner came back sealing the victory in the fourth quarter with a six-goal performance. Ray stepped up a hat trick, Colley added his second goal of the night, junior Matan Friedenberg and sophomore Landon Castillo scored key goals each to put the game away and lock up the 16-13 win.
 
Goals: Connors (7), Ray (4), Colley (2), Johnson, Castillo, Friedenberg
 
Up Next
Following their home-opening victory over Iona, the Seahawks will hit the road for a crucial Mid-Atlantic Water Polo Conference (MAWPC) test against Fordham on Friday, October 9, with sprint-off scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Wagner will then return to Grymes Hill that same weekend to host a conference doubleheader on Sunday, October 11, facing off against Navy and George Washington at the Spiro Sports Center.