Fordham Claims Fifth Consecutive Mid-Atlantic Water Polo Convention Crown; Headed to NCAA Champs
With a victory final weekend, the Fordham Rams reaffirmed their place because the powerhouse of the Mid-Atlantic Water Polo Convention. This system defeated the George Washington Revolutionaries, 16-9, to seize a fifth straight MAWPC championship on the Col. Francis B. Messmore Aquatic Heart in Brooklyn Heights, N.Y.
The nationally ranked Rams improved their file to 25-3 and punched their ticket to the NCAA Championships, scheduled for December 5-7 at Stanford College.
Taking over Fordham in its personal pool is a frightening activity, however GW matched the early depth with a powerful opening half. The primary quarter performed out evenly, with each groups scoring 3 times. The Revolutionaries even scored the primary aim within the second quarter, incomes a 4-3 lead early and forcing the Rams to reply.
Fordham answered with a powerful stretch that shifted the momentum in its favor. 4 unanswered objectives earlier than halftime reworked a slim deficit right into a 7–4 benefit, and GW had no approach to sluggish the Rams.
The third quarter grew to become a showcase of Fordham’s depth and energy. The Rams netted six extra objectives whereas limiting GW to only three, stretching the margin to 13-7 heading into the ultimate eight minutes. Down six and working quick on time, GW couldn’t generate the comeback it wanted. Fordham dominated the ultimate interval, including three extra objectives to place the sport away.
For Fordham, this convention title had that means. With the win, the Rams accomplished their fourth consecutive undefeated season in MAWPC play, persevering with the momentum of final yr’s file setting run. Final season, Fordham completed with an ideal 28–0 common season file, an virtually unheard-of feat, particularly for an East Coast program. The run propelled the Rams into the nationwide rankings for the primary time in class historical past.
Fordham’s sustained success isn’t any coincidence. Head coach Brian Bacharach, a 2006 All-American and nationwide champion at Cal, has constructed one thing particular within the Bronx. In his twelfth yr at Fordham, Bacharach has perfected assembling a roster from everywhere in the world that matches collectively seamlessly.
The Rams recruit expertise from California and Connecticut elite membership applications, whereas additionally recruiting from water polo hotbeds throughout the globe like Hungary, Italy, and South Africa.
Following the match, the Rams had eight gamers named to the MAWPC Championship All-Match Staff. They claimed each the Match MVP and Rookie of the Match awards, with Luca Silvestri and Diego Tresa incomes the honors, respectively. Silvestri, a graduate scholar from Napoli, Italy, was additionally named to the First Staff alongside sophomore Andras Toth.
On the Second Staff, seniors Balazs Bernyi and Luca Provenziani earned recognition for his or her contributions. The Honorable Point out choices included graduate goalkeeper Matthew Bonello DuPuis and junior Barnabas Eppel.
The Rams, who will enter the NCAA Match because the fourth seed, will play within the first spherical of the competitors on Dec. 5 at 5 p.m. PST.
