The Fordham Water Polo team (11-10, 3-4 CWPA) is set for three contests against Collegiate Water Polo Association programs over two days at the Col. Francis B. Messmore Aquatic Center this weekend after Wednesday night's thrilling 12-11 Judge Cup victory over Iona in sudden death overtime. After the Rams' 8 p.m. encounter with Salem International on Friday, October 23, the Messmore Aquatic Center will play host to five contests also featuring George Washington, Iona, and Mercyhurst.
Friday night's clash will be streamed live on the A-10 Digital Network.
List of ContestsFordham vs. Salem International @ 8 p.m. – Friday, October 23
rdIona vs. Mercyhurst @ 9:30 a.m. – Saturday, October 24
thFordham vs. George Washington @ 11 a.m.
Iona vs. Salem International @ 12:30 p.m.
Fordham vs. Mercyhurst @ 4:30 p.m.
Iona vs. George Washington @ 5:30 p.m.
Last Time OutThe Rams won in New Rochelle for the first time since 2012 and in doing so took home the Judge Cup that is competed for annually between the two programs. After a 12-11 double overtime thriller at the Messmore Center two weeks ago, this one again featured overtime goals and a sudden-death strike from junior
R.J. Simmons off a rebound in front of net.
With
Magnus Sims' strike the only tally for Fordham after one period, the Rams took a 4-3 haltime lead with a 3-1 run, with scores by
Andrew Gonzalez,
Patrick Reyes, and a penalty by Simmons. Iona answered with three unanswered goals to start the second half but Fordham equalized through
Bobby Wurtz and
Diego Delgado before going ahead, 7-6, thanks to a tap-in by
Patrick Lenihan.
Fordham scored twice more but Iona forced overtime by matching its visitors at nine-all. Iona led, 11-10, after the first overtime period but the Rams netted their all-important equalizer to avoid losing twice to Iona this season thanks to a double overtime goal. In overtime, Simmons' fourth of the game ended things.
George Washington2015 Record: 3-17, 0-7 CWPA Southern Division
What You Need To Know: The Colonials are on a five-game losing streak but have faced top-quality opposition, including three schools that have spent time in the top-20 national ranking. On offense, it's all about #4 sophomore Pierce Deamer, who leads the team, by far, with 49 goals on just 78 attempts, good for a 38.6% conversion rate. Deamer's also assisted on 24 other goals – 73 points – and has produced 22 blocks, as well. Deamer has been involved in over 26% of George Washington's goals this season.
Iona2015 Record: 3-9, 2-5 CWPA Northern Division
What You Need To Know: Fordham and Iona will not meet this weekend as each school will face the other three programs once each. The two teams end the regular season with a 1-1 split after the two aforementioned matches. The Gaels' only two matches in the last three weeks have been against Fordham but before that it was four losses out of five home matches in a four-day span, three of the opponents being ranked.
Mercyhurst 2015 Record: 9-4, 5-0 Southern Division
What You Need To Know: The Lakers just took home the CWPA Division II Championship this past weekend after wins over Gannon and Salem International. Dave Matulis' seven goals led to the senior being named Tournament MVP. Mercyhurst have now expanded a winning streak to nine straight with the pair of wins. Junior keeper Andrew Too-A-Foo had a fantastic weekend making 26 saves.
Salem International 2015 Record: 2-9, 1-4 Southern Division
What You Need To Know: The Tigers hosted the CWPA Division II Championship last weekend but lost to both Gannon and Mercyhurst. Sophomore Djordje Stavrevski had four goals over the two matches to pace his team.
The Rams remain at home for one final regular season contest at the Francis B. Messmore Aquatic Center when they host nationally-ranked St. Francis Brooklyn at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 27. It will also be Senior Night. The match will streamed live online.
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