MONMOUTH, Ill. – The Mercyhurst University men's water polo team had a successful trip to Illinois on Saturday. The Lakers defeated host Monmouth College, 19-10, on Saturday morning before rallying for a 14-11 victory over Lindenwood University (Mo.) in the nightcap. The Lakers won their third and fourth straight games as they improved to 4-4 overall and to 3-0 in the Collegiate Water Polo Association (CWPA).

In the conference opener, four different players scored three goals apiece: seniors Jordan Hodur and Dave Matulis; junior Jack Howe; and freshman Connor Schmitz. Freshmen Matt Bachler and Brennan Russell tallied twice while junior Joey Ryan joined freshmen Ivan Ariza and Alec Diaz with solo scores.

The Lakers enjoyed leads of 4-0 after a quarter, 9-4 at halftime, and 13-5 after three before coasting home. Junior goalie Andrew Too-A-Foo made 14 saves.

Against non-conference opponent Lindenwood, the Lakers needed a 6-1 rally in the fourth quarter to claim the victory.  Mercyhurst led 4-2 after a quarter before falling behind 6-4 at intermission. Lindenwood held a 10-8 lead after three before the Lakers exploded in the fourth.

Howe paced the offense with four goals while Matulis added three and Diaz two. Freshman Phillip Jenny joined Schmitz, Hodur, Ariza and Bachler with one apiece.

Too-A-Foo was credited with 19 stops in goal.

Mercyhurst will entertain city- and CWPA-rival Gannon University on Friday, October 9, at the Mercyhurst North East Aquatic Center. Start time is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.