2010 Men's Water Polo Season Preview

The Behrend men’s water polo team starts the 2010 campaign this Saturday returning three top goal scorers from last season with the addition of nine newcomers.  The Lions come off a fourth-place finish at the Division III Eastern Championships and look to keep their competitive edge this season with a diverse group of men from five different states.

“I am very excited about our team for the 2010 season,” said head coach Joe Tristan. “We have built a great team foundation over the last couple years and I look forward to what lies ahead. “

Ali Khan, Colin McGarry and Nick Loukides combined for 116 goals out of 171 scored in 2009. Khan, who played in every game, led the team with 54 goals while adding 35 drawn kickouts and 31 steals. McGarry returns after earning CWPA All-American honorable mention and being named to the DIII Eastern Championship All-Tournament Team as a freshman. He made his mark last season with 39 goals and 28 assists. McGarry also led the squad with 41 steals, while playing in 22 contests.

Loukides ranked third on the team with 23 goals, but was first in assists with 35. He was one of three players to compete in every game. This season, the sophomore will join lone senior Chris Dunleavy in the leadership role as captain. Dunleavy contributed eight goals and seven assists last year.

At the utility spot, freshman Sam Hyrne comes to Behrend after a successful high school career.  The three-time All-League and MVP will have a definite impact this season and contend for playing time right away. The same applies to newcomer Brian Shapter. The first-year goalie will replace Jacob Bernstein in between the pipes.  Shapter was an All-State selection and captain at McDowell High School.

Two newcomers on the squad are no strangers to Behrend but are fresh faces on the water polo team. Jake DesRoches and Eric Pierce are members of the Lions swimming and diving team. The two add depth and experience to the roster, as well as returning sophomore Andrew Opalewiski. Opalewski tallied seven goals on 15 shots in his first year of collegiate competition. Tristan will also rely on the talents of freshman Nick Pabich, Brandon Horsch and Max Hrbal. 

Behrend will travel to Annapolis, Maryland for the Navy Invitational on Saturday and then head to the Bucknell Invitational the following weekend, before returning home to play in the Junker Center against Mercyhurst on Sept. 25. Out of the eight teams the Lions will face over the course of two weeks, five are ranked in the Top 20. Behrend will also head east to California in October to play some of the best teams in Division III in the country.

“Our trip to California will allow our program to play against premier teams,” said Tristan. “This will help our program grow within collegiate water polo both locally and nationally.”