Water Polo Wins Two of Five in Annapolis

Coming off its best season in over two decades, The Fordham men's water polo team began its season this past weekend in Annapolis, Md. at the Navy Labor Day Open.  The Rams looked to improve upon their 16-14 record from last season, and have their first ever third winning season in a row.  Unfortunately for the Rams, they have some catching up to do in the win column following the tournament. 

On the first day of the two-day tournament, Fordham had a strong showing, winning two matches out of three. They opened the season with a win over George Washington by a score of 11-5. Graduate student Ali Arat scored four times, Senior Mikey Edwards added two for the Rams, and five other plays contributed one each.  Junior Christian Flessner had a stellar game, saving nine shots.

The Rams came within one goal of knocking off No.14 Navy, losing in the final two minutes of the match. Fordham led 9-8 heading into the fourth quarter, but was unable to stop the Midshipmen in the final frame, and squandered an upset bid. Arat was taken out of the game after three exclusion fouls, and Fordham could not hold on without him. Edwards added two more goals to his tally for the day, and senior Ryan Hultman netted two. On the last match of the day Fordham squeezed by Diablo Valley Club 11-8. Arat scored four times, and Flessner stopped another nine shots, including two penalty shots.

On Day Two of the tournament, Fordham was not so fortunate and dropped both matches. It opened against Johns Hopkins with an 11-10 loss. Arat and freshman Ben Clinkinbeard led the charge with three goals apiece, while Flessner added another nine stops between the pipes. In the last game of the tournament Fordham fell to No.18 Bucknell 16-13. Arat again led the team in scoring with six goals, while freshman Ricky Dilday contributed two. Once again, Flessner did all he could to stop the attack with another 11 saves.

Despite struggling at the tournament, the Rams played close matches all weekend, and have a lot to look forward to this season.

"Our team, especially our senior defensemen Victor Bautista-Medina and Jakob Muller, could be extraordinary," sophomore Cashell Barnett said.

The Rams will be in action at home for the first time when they battle conference opponent Queens College on Sept. 15.