Air Force men’s water polo team began its participation at the Bucknell Invitational with a split record on Saturday at Kinney Natatorium, located on the campus of Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. The Falcons recorded a 13-9 victory over Long Island University before falling to host Bucknell by a score of 12-10.
In their opening match against Long Island, Air Force established an early advantage, leading 4-2 after the first quarter and extending that lead to 8-4 by halftime. Although Long Island narrowed the gap in the third quarter with a 4-2 run, bringing the score to 10-8, Air Force responded by outscoring the Sharks 3-1 in the final period.
Junior Tom Leggett was the top scorer for Air Force in this game, contributing six goals. Junior Jack Richards added three goals for the Falcons.
During their second contest of the day against Bucknell, Air Force again started strong and held a narrow lead through much of the match. The Falcons led 4-3 after one quarter and maintained a 7-6 edge at halftime. Bucknell briefly took a 9-8 lead in the third quarter before Air Force answered with two consecutive goals to move ahead 10-9 going into the fourth. However, Air Force was unable to score in the final period as Bucknell outscored them 3-0 to secure the win.
Leggett led Air Force once more with four goals, while Richards and senior Colin Chase each scored twice.
The Falcons will continue play at the invitational on Sunday when they face Gannon.
