DeNunzio Pool sees two strong wins for men's water polo

It was the second time that No. 12 Princeton facedNo. 20 George Washington University, as the men’s water polo team (10-1) dominated the competitionon Sundaymorning. The Tigers had the upper hand from the very beginning of the game after rounding off the first quarter with a 5-0 point margin, and were still ahead 8-2 into intermission.

For the remainder of the game, the two teams scored five goals each. The match resulted in a clear win for Princeton, score 13-7. Highlights of the game included 10 saves made by freshman goalie Vojislav Mitrovic. The rookie keeper played exceptionally during the morning game, serving as goalie for all 32 minutes of the game. Meanwhile, teammates junior center Thomas Nelson and freshman attacker Jordan Colinaplayed strong offense and defense. Nelson contributed four goals, four steals, two blocks and an assist, while Colina had three goals, four steals, and two blocks.

It’s worth noting the increased point margin by which Princeton topped George Washington, compared to the previous week’s matchup. On Sept. 20, the Tigers played the Colonials in Washington, D.C. and won 14-12. This week’s win of 13-7 for the Tigers over the Colonials reflects on the progressive improvement which Princeton has demonstrated.

Sundayafternoon, Princeton continued its winning ways as it took down Bucknell University by a score of 9-6.

The second matchup of the doubleheader was a compelling win, improving the Tigers’ record to 10-1. Junior goalie Alex Gow had a career-high19 saves, each save stronger than the last as the Tigers remained on their guard during this matchup. There was no obviously superior side from the onset of the second matchup, as opposed to the previous one. Rather, the two teams started off tied 2-2 in first quarter. The Tigers held a single goal advantage — the scoreboard read 4-3 — going into intermission. Princeton, determined to remain on top, scored 2-1 over the Bison in the third quarter and rounded out the match with an additional three points to record yet another victory with a score of 9-6 over the Bison.

Gow’s saves no doubt contributed to the excellent defense on part of the Tigerson Sunday. While Princeton scored fewer points total than it has in its past three games — vs. Navy 12-7, vs. George Washington away 14-12 and vs. George Washington at DeNunzio Pool 13-7 — the slower offensive pace during this game speaks to the strong offensive front of Bucknell. Where straight offense doesn’t win games, stronger defense certainly does. Gow had 19 saves, breaking his original personal best which was 17 saves against Mercyhurst on Nov. 10, 2013. His tally was one shy of the all-time Princeton-best mark of 20. Additionally, the Princeton junior keeper often found open swimmers on clears, kick-starting the offense.

Senior attacker Drew Hoffenberg scored three goals during the course of play, two off of penalty shots, while junior utility Jamie Kuprenas and sophomore utility Jovan Jeremic each scored two goals and an assist.

Moving forward, the Tigers have quite a record to live up to at this point. Their next match will be against the United States Naval Academynext Sundayafternoon at home. It will be the second time that Princeton plays Navy, the first time being Sept. 20 when the Tigers earned a 12-7 win in Annapolis.

Following the next two matches against Navy and University of California, Los Angeles, the men moving into the Southern California and Ivy Tournament over the next few weeks. The representatives of DeNunzio Pool continue to combine stellar endurance with exceptional teamwork to achieve the magic that has taken place so far this season.