Oct. 11, 2009

IRVINE, Calif. -- The 17th-ranked Navy water team had a successful weekend at the highly-competitive UCI Invitational, finishing in 10th place after posting a 1-1 record on Sunday. The split moves Navy's record to 11-8 overall.

In the day's first game against 12th-ranked UC Davis, the Mids led 5-2 at halftime, then scored the first three goals of the second half to grab an 8-2 advantage midway through the third quarter. Navy then cruised home for a 10-7 victory to move into the ninth-place game.

"We started very well against UC Davis, and it was a good effort overall," said Navy head coach Mike Schofield. "We got a little sloppy late in the third quarter, but cleaned it up well later in the game. It was a good effort for us."

Kyle Wertz led the Mids with four goals. Kevin Bell and Stevie Ray added a pair each, while Conor Handley and Luke Baldwin scored once each. Brett Rajchel stopped five shots in goal for the Midshipmen.

In the ninth-place game against ninth-ranked and host school, UC Irvine, the Mids and Anteaters were tied at five at halftime, but the Anteaters scored the first two goals of the second half and Navy could not catch up in falling, 10-7. The loss drops Navy to a 10th-place finish at the competitive tournament.

"We just couldn't convert our opportunities. We squandered some great chances," said Schofield. "Irvine took advantage and that was the ballgame. We had our chances and just did not take advantage."

Jordan Carter tallied a pair of goals, while Bell, Wertz, Johnny Meiners, Luke Baldwin and Ray had one goal each. Rajchel stopped five shots in the loss.

Navy will close out its home season next weekend, hosting Air Force and Bucknell on Oct. 17, beginning at 3:30 pm. The Mids will then host Princeton and George Washington on Sunday, starting at 11:30 am.

# GO NAVY #