Bronx, N.Y. – Five members of the Judge family played water polo for Iona University. Only two, the patriarch, Francis, and Chris, donned a Fordham maroon cap in their careers. Tonight the Ram alumni have bragging rights as Fordham defeated Iona, 24-10, in the Messmore Aquatics Center in the annual battle for the Judge Cup.
 
With the win, Fordham improves to 16-1 on the season while Iona falls to 6-16.
 
Fordham was led by sophomore Diego Tresa, who netted four goals, while freshmen Oktavian Veklyuk, Petar Kulas, and Karlo Dragosevic each added three goals.
 
The Rams built an 8-2 lead at the end of the first quarter with Veklyuk and Luca Provenziani each scoring twice.
 
Fordham scored the first three goals of the second quarter and then extended the lead to 15-5 at the half.
 
Notes
• The Judge Cup is named for Dr. Francis X. Judge, who was the father of five Iona water polo players, including three Goal Club Hall of Famers: Greg '84, Matt '86, Ray '87, Mike '94 and Kevin '95. Chris '80, his second oldest son, starred for Fordham, coached the Rams and the United States Military Academy collegiate club team in addition to being inducted as a member of the Collegiate Water Polo Association (CWPA) Hall of Fame.
 
• The Rams now lead the all-time series, 25-21.
 
• The Rams have taken the past 13 meetings, including a 23-7 win at the Bruno Invitational on August 30.
 
• The win increases Fordham's home winning streak to 38 matches, dating back to 2022.
 
What's Next?
• The Rams will have a busy Saturday, hosting three MAWPC matches in the Messmore Aquatics Center.
 
• Fordham will host Bucknell at 11:00 a.m., Mt. St. Mary's at 3:30 p.m., and Mercyhurst at 5:30 p.m.
 
• It will be the 36^th meeting between the Rams and the Bison with Bucknell leading the all-time series, 21-14, but Fordham has taken the last ten matchups, including a 21-11 win earlier this year at the Bucknell Invitational.
 
• It will be the 14^th meeting between Fordham and Mt. St. Mary's with the Rams winning the previous 13 meetings, including a 23-5 win at the Bucknell Invitational earlier this year.
 
• It will be the 31^st meeting between Fordham and Mercyhurst with the Rams leading the all-time series, 27-3.
 
• The Rams have won the past 16 meetings including a 26-3 win at the Bucknell Invitational this year.