PRINCETON, N.J. -- The Pennsylvania State University-Behrend men's water polo team dropped its first two matches of the day before defeating Salem International University at the Collegiate Water Polo Association (CWPA) Southern Division Championship hosted by Princeton University.

After losing to No. 19 Bucknell University and Mercyhurst College by a combined score of 29-1, the Lions offense got going and scored 18 goals to beat Salem International and advance to the ninth place match on Sunday.

In their opening contest of the day, Behrend fell to No. 19 Bucknell 14-1.  The Bison defense proved to be too much for the Lions allowing only one goal to Matthew Johnson (Houston, Texas/Cypress Falls).

Just a few hours later, Behrend was back in the pool to face Mercyhurst for the third time this season. The Lakers scored 15 unanswered goal to secure the 15-0 victory.  First year goalie Hunter Backenstose (Downingtown, Pa./Dowingtown East) tallied 10 saves for a two game total of 26.

With their season on the line, the Lions were able to upend Salem for the third time this season to play another day.  The offense found its stride and scored 18 goals, their second best effort on the season.

Eight different Behrend players tallied goals while the defense held strong to preserve the 18-9 victory.

Justin Vink (Los Angeles, Calif./Granada Hills Charter) led the offensive outburst with four goals with Ali Khan (Lake Zurich, Ill./Stevenson) netting the hat trick.  John Ingari (York, Pa./Central York), Nic Pabich (Lake Forest, Ill./Lake Forest), Josh Sebrosky (Pittsburgh, Pa./Bethel Park), Garrett Wagner (State College, Pa./State College) and Johnson each contributed with two goals apiece.  Backenstose came out of the pipes to tally a goal of his own to go along with two steals and four assists.  Khan went into the net for the first time this season and made four saves in the victory.

Release courtesy PSU-Behrend Athletic Communications