Bears Top Washington & Jefferson, 13-3, at Day One of MIT Invitational

Sept. 9, 2007

Cambridge, MA - Behind a balanced attack and solid team defense, the Brown men's water polo team (1-0) went 2-1 on the opening day of the MIT Invitational on Saturday. The Bears defeated Washington & Jefferson, their lone NCAA varsity opponent, 13-3 to begin the day. They then split a pair of exhibition matches, beating Santa Rosa Junior College 10-8 before falling to the New York Athletic Club, 12-7.

Bruno was dominant against the Presidents in the opening game, taking a 9-1 lead into the half. Brown's defense was stifling, collecting 15 steals, including five by junior Hank Weintraub (Los Angeles, CA). Junior Grant LeBeau (San Diego, CA) led the way offensively with four goals, followed by senior co-captain Gerrit Adams (Winnetka, IL) with three and junior Mike Gartner (San Jose, CA) with two. Juniors Nico Fort (Miami, FL) and Jerry Wolf Duff-Sellers (Malibu, CA), sophomore Zach Levko (Wildwood, MO), and Weintraub each had one goal as well. Sophomore goalkeeper Kent Holland (Orinda, CA) needed to record just one save in the win, with Fort adding two blocks.

Against Santa Rosa, the Bears held off a late charge after taking a 4-0 lead after one quarter and holding a 6-2 advantage at the half. Gartner's four goals led the way, with freshman Corey Schwartz (Los Angeles, CA) and Weintraub each adding a pair. Holland's six saves helped secure the Brown victory. Against NYAC, Brown fell behind 4-1 early, and never recovered despite two scores apiece from Adams, Weintraub and LeBeau.

On Sunday, the Bears open the day against UC Santa Cruz, the defending Division III National Champion. The Slugs, like Brown, entered the weekend in the "receiving votes" section of the Top 20 poll, garnering two votes. After that, Bruno will take on the Yale club team in an exhibition to close out the tournament.