ANNAPOLIS, MD – #17 Navy water polo split a pair of games on the final day of the Navy Open, falling to Salem 17-13 before rebounding with an 18-8 victory over Penn State Behrend.
The Midshipmen opened the day against Salem, ultimately dropping a 17-13 decision despite early goals from Mulvey and Berry. Salem answered with multiple 5-0 runs, including converting several five-metre attempts.navy attempted to close the gap with goals from Zech, Black, and Bartlett, but Salem maintained control.Black contributed multiple goals throughout the game, including a penalty shot, as Navy ultimately fell short.
Navy bounced back strongly in the afternoon against Penn State Behrend, securing an 18-8 win. Mai-Prasarnsuk, Kahn, and Begin propelled the Midshipmen to a 4-0 lead in the first quarter. Cashman, Letteau Stallings, Kirincich, and Garrahy added to the scoring throughout the game, punctuated by a 4-0 run in the third quarter and a 5-1 fourth quarter.
Throughout the day, Navy’s goalkeeping was led by Francis Hendrickson, with hightower recording five saves, Rodoni adding four, and Munch contributing three.
Navy continues its homestand, hosting Air Force for the Freedom vase on Thursday, Sept. 18 at 7:00 p.m. in Lejeune Hall. The game will be live streamed on YouTube.
