Nov. 4, 2011

PRINCETON, N.J. -- The 16th-ranked Navy water polo team outscored Notre Dame College (Ohio), 8-1, in the second quarter to break open a close game and cruise to a 19-8 victory in the opening contest of bracket play at the CWPA Southern Division Tournament.

The win improves Navy's record to 19-6 overall, giving Navy at least 19 wins in all 30 seasons since the Navy water polo program was resurrected in 1982.

"Notre Dame played us tough for a bit and they have some experienced Europeans on their squad. We had our hands full for a bit. They are in their first year as a varsity program, so this was kind of new to them. They are going to be a good program down the road," said Navy head coach Mike Schofield. "We were deeper and more fit and just wore them down in the second quarter and beyond. We were able to play a lot of guys and rest some guys that we wanted to rest."

Navy led just 5-4 after one quarter but outscored Notre Dame College, 8-1, in the second quarter to grab a 13-5 halftime advantage. Navy cruised in the second half, outscoring NDC, 6-3, for the 19-8 final margin.

Senior team captain Conor Handley led the Midshipmen with a career-high six goals. Arny Warren and Jared Griffin had two goals each, while eight other players scored one goal.

Navy will continue bracket play against Salem International at 10:10 am on Saturday morning, then will likely play Bucknell in the semifinals at 5:30 pm. The two semifinal winners will face off in the title game on Sunday at 2:00 pm.

# GO NAVY #