No. 13 Navy Tops No. 15 Air Force & No. 18 Bucknell on October 17

ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- The 13th-ranked Navy water polo played well enough in spots to earn a pair of victories over two rivals on the afternoon of Saturday, October 17. The Mids defeated 15th-ranked Air Force, 12-10, and 18th-ranked Bucknell, 10-7, on Saturday. The wins improve Navy's record to 13-8 overall and 2-2 in the CWPA Southern Division.

The win over Bucknell also kept Navy's hopes of winning the CWPA Southern Division crown alive as the Bison dropped to 6-2 in league play. Navy will face Princeton, who has just one league loss, on Sunday.

The Mids defeated the Falcons, 12-10, in the day's first game, but Navy head coach Mike Schofield was not pleased with the effort.

"After about the first two minutes of the game, we did not give a very good effort. We helped Air Force score seven of its 10 goals," said Schofield. "I'm happy we won, but having said that, I am not happy with much else. We kept Air Force in the game all game long. I was not thrilled at all with the effort."

Stevie Ray led the Midshipmen with three goals, while Kyle Wertz, Conor Handley, Matt Carlson and Kevin Bell had a pair each. Jordan Carter netted one goal. Brett Rajchel stopped five shots in goal.

In the day's second game, Navy outscored 18th-ranked Bucknell, 4-2, in the fourth quarter to break open a tight game and defeat the Bison, 10-7.

"We played more of a complete game than we did against Air Force, but not a complete game," said Schofield. "It was somewhat encouraging. It gave us a chance to win the CWPA Southern Division and keeps hope alive for us."

Handley led the Mids with three goals, while Luke Baldwin had a pair. Bell, Johnny Meiners, Ray, Wertz and Carter had one goal each.

Rajchel made six saves in goal.

Schofield was impressed with Baldwin and Carter's defense.

"I thought those two played very well on Bucknell's big players," said Schofield. "They did a great job containing them both."

Release courtesy Navy Athletic Communications