Princeton University
#20 Bucknell
Players Mentioned
Men's Water Polo Tops Bucknell in Overtime; Will Meet Navy Sunday for Southern Title
November 08, 2009 | Men's Water Polo
The game was tight throughout with Bucknell holding a narrow edge most of the way. After a 1-1 opening period, Bucknell held leads of 3-2 at the half and 5-4 after three quarters before the Tigers were able to draw even and force overtime. Bucknell built its lead to 8-6 in the final quarter with just over four minutes left to play before Princeton rallied. Senior Mark Zalewski scored to move the Tigers within a goal and senior Douglas Wigley tallied the equalizer with 1:34 left in regulation off a long pass from junior goalkeeper Mike Merlone.
Princeton found the back of the at 2:24 of the first overtime when Wigley scored off a feed from Zalewski on a counter. Wenzlau then converted in the second overtime to give the Tigers a 2-0 lead. Bucknell answered with 1:30 remaining to move back within a goal but a late Merlone save allowed the Tigers to run down the clock and secure the win.
Wenzlau's four goals led the Tigers. He scored two on man-advantages and the overtime goal off a counter. Wigley had three goals, one on a 6 on 5 and two off counters. Senior Eric Vreeland added a 5-meter goal and Zalewski and senior David de L'Arbre added additional goals. Merlone made eight saves.
With the win, Princeton advances to tomorrow's championship game against 13th-ranked Navy at 3:30 p.m. The teams met three times in the regular season with Navy winning twice and Princeton once. Princeton is now 12-10 this season.
Bucknell 1 2 2 3 - 0 1 - 9
Princeton 1 1 2 4 - 2 0 - 10
Goals: Wenzlau 4, Wigley 3, Vreeland 1, Zalewski 1, de L'Abre 1.
Saves: Merlone 8.