Nov. 5, 2011
PRINCETON, N.J. -- For the 13th time in 19 seasons, the Navy water polo team will play in the CWPA Southern Division Tournament title game on Sunday, by virtue of its 11-5 semifinal win over Bucknell on Saturday afternoon. The Mids also defeated Salem International this morning in bracket play.
The wins move Navy's record to 21-6 overall and into the finals tomorrow against long-time Eastern rival, 15th-ranked Princeton, at 2:00 pm.
The Midshipmen advanced to the finals with a dominating effort in Saturday's semifinal round against 19th-ranked Bucknell. Navy jumped out to a 3-0 lead moments into the second quarter and spread the margin to 8-1 late in the third quarter. Navy led 8-2 after three quarters and cruised in for the 11-5 victory.
"It was a pretty solid effort for us today. We are still not where I think we can be, but we are taking steps in the right direction. Hopefully, take another step tomorrow against Princeton," said Navy head coach Mike Schofield. "We were very sound defensively. We're going to have to be better tomorrow."
Paul Pedrotty and Kyle Wertz led Navy with three goals, while freshman Pat Seipp had two tallies. Three other players scored once.
Navy opened the day on Saturday with a 16-3 pasting of Salem International. Darren McKay and Scotty Snowden scored twice for Navy while 12 other players scored one goal each.
Navy and Princeton will battle for the third time this season on Sunday afternoon at 2:00 pm. The Tigers defeated Navy twice this year, both times in overtime, and own a 20-7 overall record. The game will be video-streamed on GoPrincetonTigers.com(.)
# GO NAVY #
