After a rough 1-3 start at the Navy Open, the Gannon University men’s water polo team came back last weekend and went 4-0 at the Mercyhurst Invitational.
The weekend started Saturday with two games, and the Knights claimed a 17-13 win in the first one over Washington and Jefferson College before edging Lindenwood University, 16-15, in the second.
In game one, the Knights and Presidents were at each other’s throats scoring back and forth, ending the first half in a tie. After the break, Gannon pulled away and outscored the Presidents, 10-6.
Gilberto Millan, Marko Sadikovic and Zarko Sadikovic each scored four goals in the win while Michael Squeglia and Nick Williams each added two and Thomas Squeglia contributed a goal.
Michael Squeglia had a career-high seven assists and tied a career-high of four steals. Marko Sadikovic also earned four kick outs against the Presidents.
Washington and Jefferson is a talented team and is currently receiving votes from the Collegiate Water Polo Association Top 10 rankings, making Gannon’s first victory a sweet one.
Later that day the Knights handed Lindenwood its first loss of the season with a strong second-half comeback. After trailing the Lions, 10-3, at halftime Gannon outscored Lindenwood 13-5 in the final half.
Millan led the team with four goals while Williams and Marko Sadikovic each added three. They also combined for four key fourth-quarter goals to seal the win.
Evan Wujcik recorded a career-high three steals against Lindenwood and Brett Rehrer was a brick wall in goal with 19 blocks.
The next day the Knights started with a 15-9 win against Salem International University, making them 3-0 on the weekend.
Freshman Jack Donnelly and redshirt sophomore Zarko Sadikovic, who led the team with five goals, combined for four first-quarter goals to put Gannon ahead after the first quarter, 5-1, on the way to an 8-5 halftime lead.
Goals from Millan, Williams, Wujcik and two in the fourth quarter from Thomas Squeglia helped the Knights seal the win.
After defeating Lindenwood’s “A” team on Saturday, Gannon took on the school’s “B” team Sunday and came out with a 20-14 win. The game was considered an exhibition and does not count in Gannon’s overall record.
Freshman standout Bryan McNitt led Gannon with four goals. Aside from that the Knights cruised right along outscoring the Lions each quarter except tying at five in the first.
Gannon capped the weekend by beating Penn State Behrend, 18-6. The Knights were quick to attack and led 7-1 in the first quarter and 10-3 at halftime before outscoring the Lions, 8-3, in the second half for their fourth straight win over Behrend.
Freshman Vladimir Diaz led the team with a season-high three goals. Other goals were scored by freshman Ian Roth, McNitt and sophomore Joey Dempsey to name a few. Rehrer had five blocks and senior Nick Fagen had four.
Gannon, now 4-3 overall, returns to action on Saturday, Sept. 24 for a four-game, two-day stint at CWPA Weekend hosted by Salem International.
BRANDON JACES
