NORTH EAST, Pa. –  The Mercyhurst University men's water polo team picked up its first two victories of the season Saturday, defeating both Washington & Jefferson and Salem International at the Mercyhurst North East Aquatic Center. The Lakers improved to 2-4 on the season.

In the opener, Mercyhurst prevailed 11-10 over Washington & Jefferson.  The Lakers led 2-1 after a quarter before the Presidents rallied for a 6-5 advantage at intermission. Mercyhurst then outscored W & J by a 3-2 count in both the third and fourth frames.

Senior Dave Matulis led the way with three goals while senior Jordan Hodur and junior Jack Howe had two apiece.  Junior Joey Ryan joined freshmen Connor Schmitz, Philip Jenny, and Jackson Rehmet with single tallies. One of Howe's goals came on a penalty shot with 2:30 left in the game. Schmitz scored with :53 left before W & J cashed its final goal as time was expiring. Junior goalie Andrew Too-A-Foo picked up the win by making a dozen saves in three quarters. Sophomore Gene Bilbao played the second quarter and was credited with three stops. The Presidents fell to 4-3.

In the nightcap, the Lakers exploded for 13 second-half goals to defeat Salem International, 20-10. Hodur and Howe scored four times each while Matulis and freshman Alec Diaz added three and Rehmet two. Freshmen Ivan Ariza, Philip Jenny, Brennan Russell and Schmitz also scored.

Too-A-Foo played the first and third quarters in goal while Bilbao worked the second and fourth. The duo combined for 18 saves. The Lakers led 5-3 after a quarter and 7-5 at intermission before the second half onslaught.

Mercyhurst will return to action next Saturday, October 3, when it plays both Monmouth College and Lindenwood in Monmouth, Illinois.