The men’s water polo team competed in the Bison Invitational at Kinney Natatorium from Sept. 16-17. The Bison had just come off a 0-3 weekend at the Princeton Invitational, and were looking to improve their record as they hosted their first tournament of the season. In defeating LaSalle, Mercyhurst, and Salem International, the Orange and Blue earned their 8th, 9th, and 10th consecutive victory at home. They are currently ranked No. 17 nationally by the Collegiate Water Polo Association.

After having seven consecutive games against ranked opponents, the Bison cruised past LaSalle University 21-6. Rade Joksimovic ’20 led the Bison with six goals and three assists, while Scott Little ’21 netted three goals. Jared Stanley ’21, Marko Djordjevic ’19, Jeff Hagen ’18, TJ Morton ’21, Tommy Stupp ’18, Caio Jordao ’21, Jordan White ’18, Matthew Blackwell ’21, and Ollie McClymonds ’21 all scored for the Bison. Combined, goalies Charlie Niehaus ’18 and Alex Pullin ’20 recorded 15 saves.

The Orange and Blue finished day one of the Bison Invitational 2-0 after defeating Mercyhurst 15-6. Joksimovic led the Bison with five goals and three assists. Stupp, Cooper Dolan ’20, Logan Schofield ’20, Stanley, Hagen, Jordao, and Blackwell all contributed to the ninth consecutive win at home.

The Bison competed in the final game of the weekend on Sept. 17 against Salem International. Joksimovic averaged eight points per game in the Invitational and led the Bison with five goals and one assist. Djordjevic netted three goals and recorded three assists.

“The wins and a 3-0 record this weekend served as a great confidence boost for next weekend’s league games. We watched game film, saw our weaknesses, and will be prepared for the remainder of the season,” Borna Bolanca ’19 said.

The Orange and Blue begin their conference play Sept. 23-24 against Johns Hopkins, George Washington, and Navy.