Nov. 12, 2005

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. -- The 13th-ranked Navy water polo team advanced in the CWPA Eastern Championship with an 8-7 win over Bucknell in Saturday night's semifinals, and will now play second-seeded St. Francis in Sunday's finals. The Mids also defeated Iona, 9-5, in first-round play. Navy improved to 22-6 with the victories and are looking for its 12th Eastern Championship.

In the first game, Navy overcame a slow start for a 9-5 victory over Iona. The Mids led 3-1 after one quarter, but the Gaels cut the lead to one at 4-3 at halftime. Navy then outscored Iowa, 5-1, in the third quarter to take control and win its opening game of the tournament, 5-1.

Aaron Recko led Navy with three goals, while Jordan Gentry added two. Alex Ratcliffe, Andrew Plumb, Tyler Hill and Michael Mulvey scored one each. George Naughton saw the majority of time in goal for the Mids, stopping five Iona shots.

Navy advanced to the finals with a hard-fought 8-7 triumph over Bucknell. The Mids jumped out to an 8-3 lead at halftime, but were forced to hold off a Bison charge in the second half to advance to the finals. Bucknell outscored Navy, 4-0, in the second half, but the Navy defense held tight.

Recko led Navy with two goals, while six others scored one goal each. Naughton made seven saves in goal for the Mids, also grabbing two steals.

"We played very well in the first half against Bucknell, but did a poor job managing the lead in the second half," said Navy head coach Mike Schofield. "But a win is a win and we are excited to be in Sunday's finals."

# GO NAVY #