WASHINGTON, Pa. – The Washington & Jefferson College men's water polo team (1-3) worked its first victory of the 2025 season against the Mercyhurst Lakers, 16-15. 
 
Liam Miller (Grove City, Ohio/St. Charles Prep) led the Presidents offensively with seven goals throughout the match. Brody Souder (Mechanicsburg, Pa./Cumberland Valley) contributed four goals. Topher Mitchell (Annapolis, Md./Loyola Blakefield) and Hector Santaella (Key Biscayne, Fla./Belen Jesuit Prep) each netted two goals.
 
W&J opened the first quarterof action with a 5-3 lead over the Lakers. L. Miller and Souder each tacked on two goals each accompanied by a goal from Mitchell.
 
The Presidents grew their lead to 9-5 prior to halftime. While holding the Lakers at bay, L. Miller found the back of the net twice. Parker Elliott (Pennsburg, Pa./Upper Perkiomen) and Santaella each scored in the second as well.
 
The Lakers mounted their best quarter in the third, slowly chipping away at the W&J lead, 13-9.
 
W&J managed to hold on to the lead in the fourth, escaping with the 16-15 victory. L. Miller's goal at the 1:35 mark was the game winner for the Presidents.
 
The W&J men's water polo team returns to the pool on Saturday (Sept. 27) to take on the Gannon Golden Knights. The match is scheduled for a 10:30 a.m. start.