Men's Water Polo Ready to Take Next Step This Season

Men's Water Polo | September 1, 2017

PHILADELPHIA – The La Salle men's water polo team will begin its 2017 season on Saturday as an entrant in the Navy Open. The Explorers, who are coming off their inaugural season as a program, have high hopes that the young team has made inevitable improvements. Through the preseason, they've been working to improve areas that they felt could become strengths this year.

"We've been working a lot on defense," said second year head coach Paul Macht. "I think that will be an area we improve dramatically this year."

"I think we can get to that next level. I think it's very reasonable," said Jeff Brady, the team's leading scorer last season. "We have a lot of talent. We just have to start playing together."

The Blue and Gold returns its top goal scorer from a year ago in Brady. He is expected to be a vital part to the offense. Joey DeFusco, second on the team in goals scored, will also return. The Explorers finished their first season in program history with three wins which is especially impressive considering the team was comprised of almost all freshmen. As the original class is now a year more experienced, they will be able to lead what is expected to be a strong freshman group this season.

"As a team, we really bring a lot of energy and a lot of focus to whatever we're doing," said Karl Miller, one of the team's ten freshmen.

La Salle's schedule looks especially tough this year. The Explorers play three nationally ranked opponents—No. 11 Princeton (9/2), No. 14 Bucknell (9/16), and No. 16 Cal Baptist (10/7). During the Gary Troyer Tournament in October, they are also set to face three top ten Division III opponents.

Despite the tough competition, the Explorers remain confident that they're up to the task.

"We definitely have a lot better team chemistry," said Patrick Dougherty. "Our conditioning is a lot better ... We have some really good shooters – I think we'll be a big offensive threat this year."

Conference play begins when the Explorers take on McKendree on September 23.

The Explorers have just one home game this season – an exhibition with Villanova on September 18 at 6:45 PM.

"I really want our team to be competitive," said Macht. "I want us to be competitive with the top teams in the league."

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Players Mentioned

#12 Jeff Brady: Center; 6' 0"; Sophomore

#11 Joey DeFusco: Attack; 5' 10"; Sophomore

#2 Patrick Dougherty: Center; 6' 2"; Senior

#6 Karl Miller: Attack; 6' 0"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

#12 Jeff Brady
: 6' 0"; Sophomore
: Center

#11 Joey DeFusco
: 5' 10"; Sophomore
: Attack

#2 Patrick Dougherty
: 6' 2"; Senior
: Center

#6 Karl Miller
: 6' 0"; Freshman
: Attack