Nearing the conclusion of its 2014 season, the men’s water polo team has been able to defeat three ranked teams en route to a 4-3 record in CWPA play. Stefan Aleksic ’16 is the vital centerpiece in this Bison offense, and his success in the pool has translated into success in the divisional standings.

In their past five games, the Bison have gone 3-2, with two victories over George Washington and another triumph over No. 19 Navy. Aleksic was out for the first match, but in the following four games, he tallied eight goals and 10 assists to pace the Bison.

“I think that I have been playing well this season so far. There is always room for improvement, and I think I should work more on my defensive responsibilities, but overall I am satisfied with how I played this season,” Aleksic said.

The latest victory of the season for the Orange and Blue was a 12-8 conquering of Navy, redemption for an earlier 8-4 defeat at the hands of the Mids when the Bison did not have Aleksic in the pool. Aleksic dished out four assists and added a goal this time around. The four-goal margin of victory was the largest against Navy since 1981.

Aleksic knows that it is a team effort, and the entire squad has come together to put in quality efforts against all competitors this season on offense and defense.

“We have been working very hard this year, and we improved our game a lot since the beginning of the season. I think that we are moving in the right direction and that we have a team capable to beat anyone on the East Coast, and hopefully we will have success this year,” Aleksic said.

With just a little over a month remaining before his junior campaign comes to a close, Aleksic has put together a stellar three years of play. His 26 goals and 17 assists this season both rank second on the team, while his 43 points are the most for all Bison. In his career, Aleksic has totaled 119 goals, 103 assists, and 222 points.

“I really enjoy every aspect of being a water polo player at Bucknell. I would say that the best part of being on this team is my team. It is a great group of guys, and I love spending time with them inside and outside of the pool. Another thing is that water polo gives me the opportunity to do something I really love,” Aleksic said.

Aleksic is an experienced and proven leader for the Bison squad, and the effect when he is injured for a weekend is sorely felt at game time. Still, his leadership will help guide the Orange and Blue in November as they aim high for a CWPA Championship.

“I always have only one goal, and that is to win the CWPA Championship, and I would say that the entire team is on the same page with me,” Aleksic said.

Bio:
• Class Year: Junior
• Position: RAT
• Hometown: Belgrade, Serbia
• High School: Sport Gymnasium

2014 Stats:
• 10 Games Started
• 57 Shots
• 26 Goals
• 17 Assists
• 43 Points
• Seven Ejections Drawn