2008 Division II Eastern Champion Mercyhurst College

BRONX, N.Y. – The Mercyhurst College men’s water polo team claimed its second consecutive Division II Eastern Conference Championship with back-to-back victories over Salem International University and Gannon University on the vening of October 25 at Fordham University.

The Lakers became the first team to win the tournament in back-to-back years with a 7-2 victory over Salem before triumphing over Gannon 10-5 to hoist the championship plaque. The win over the Golden Knights established a new school record for wins in a season with 15.

Sophomore Andrew Schonhoff also established a new program record as he surpassed the 200 goal plateau (201) with four scores against Gannon. For his efforts, he was named the DII Eastern Championship Most Valuable Player.

The Lakers put on dominating performances against both opponents. In the game against Salem, the Lakers built up a 4-1 lead in the first before expanding the score to 6-1 at the halftime. After a scoreless third period, both teams exchanged scores in the fourth to end the game at 7-2. The same scenario occurred against Gannon. Mercyhurst quickly jumped on the Golden Knights with seven goals through the first two periods before trading blows of 2-2 in the third and 1-1 in the fourth.

Sophomore Alex Moggridge finished the tournament with three goals and an assist while freshman Gui Alves contributed two scores in each contest. Senior Oscar Calderon and freshman Ryan Torii rounded out the multi-goal performers with two apiece. Sophomore Andy Sekulski earned the win in both games with four stops against Salem and 11 against Gannon.

The complete bracket and All-Tournament team is available on othe CWPA Division II Championship page.