2009 Penn State Behrend Men's Water Polo Preview

The Behrend Lions men's water polo program is geared up for the start of the season. "I look forward to a strong showing this year," said Head Coach Joe Tristan. "We return three starters and have a dynamic freshman class joining our team."  The program appears to be ready to make a run in 2009 and improve on its 5-14 mark from last season.

Expectations have been placed upon the shoulders of two standout seniors to lead the way. Jacob Bernstein (Sierra Madre,CA/Pasadena) and Robert Westhelle (Norwood, NJ/Northern Valley Regional at Old Tappen) were tabbed as team captains and will guide the team from the driver and goalie positions. Bernstein, who ranks on the career charts for assists, will change his role from field player to goalie and will add to the Behrend defense. Along with Bernstein, Westhelle will be relied on to stop shots on goal after registering a save percentage of 46% in 2008.  

A pair of talented driver's add presence to the roster. Chris Graves (McMurray/Peters Township) and Ricardo Ortiz (Erie/McDowell) return as experienced sophomores.  Graves was named the program's Rookie of the Year, while Ortiz was chosen as the Most Improved Player of 2008.

Newcomers to this year's team are Nick Loukides (Fountain Valley, CA/Fountain Valley), Colin McGarry (Annapolis, MD/Broadneck), Ali Khan (Lake Burich, IL/Steveson), and Jake DesRoches (Fairfax, VA/WT Woodson). Chris Dunleavy (McMurray/Peters Township) also joins the program, but is no stranger to the blue and white. He has performed for the swimming team in each of his first two years at Behrend. All of the first year players will get pool time as rookies. "This is a very talented incoming class," said Tristan. "They will strengthen both our offense and defense and help us contend for a strong finish in the CWPA."

The blue and white will begin the 2009 season traveling to compete at the Navy Open on September 5 and 6. They will enter the Junker Center pool for the first time on September 13 when they host a double header against Queens College and Salem International. 

In early October, the Behrend Lions will again be heading to the West coast. "Our California trip will allow our program to play some of the best teams in Division III," said Coach Tristan. "This will help our program grow within collegiate water polo both locally and nationally." The blue and white will a couple national caliber squads while playing in the Claremont Invitational.

Postseason play begins when the blue and white head to Washington and Jefferson for the Division III Eastern Championships on October 24 and 25.  Last year Behrend tied the program's best finish by earning a third place finish.  The blue and white started out by smacking Connecticut College 21-12 in the first match.  Behrend then dropped a decision to host Johns Hopkins and fell short against MIT, losing a hard fought 20-15 matchup.  Behrend would rebound in its final match at the championships and secure a 12-9 win over Washington & Jefferson, to post a 2-2 record as two Behrend players were selected to the all-tournament second-team.  After the Division III Eastern Championships, November brings the Southern Division Championships at Bucknell.  The season could conclude with the NCAA championships in December.