The Princeton University men’s water polo team wrapped up their impressive performance at the Navy Open with a commanding 18-3 victory over George Washington. This win not only marked their third consecutive triumph of the tournament but also showcased the Tigers’ dominance and skill in the pool.
From the outset, Princeton asserted their control over the game. They surged ahead with a decisive 4-0 lead in the first quarter, setting the tone for the remainder of the match. The team’s defensive and offensive prowess was evident as they went on a 10-0 scoring run, leaving George Washington struggling to keep pace. The standout performance came from goalie Kristóf Kovács, who maintained a clean sheet in the first half, contributing significantly to the team’s solid defensive showing.
Although George Washington managed to score three goals, their efforts were insufficient to counteract Princeton’s relentless offense. The Tigers’ offensive strategy proved too overpowering, with six different players contributing to the scoring. In the second half, Princeton added nine more goals to their tally, sealing the game with an impressive 18-3 final score.
Vladan Mitrovic led the charge with four goals, while Roko Pozaric followed closely with a hat trick. Gavin Appeldorn was also pivotal, not only scoring but also contributing four of the team’s 14 steals. Other notable contributors included Logan McCarroll, Tas Palcza, William Swart, Luke Hammarskjold, Gavin Molloy, and Finn LeSieur, all of whom played key roles in the team’s offensive and defensive efforts.
Looking ahead, Princeton is set to host the Princeton Invitational, with their first game scheduled against Santa Clara on September 13. The tournament, which runs through September 15, will be another opportunity for the Tigers to showcase their skills and build on their successful start to the season.