Oct. 9, 2007
CLAREMONT, CA - The Johns Hopkins water polo team (9-8) continued its hot streak last weekend at the annual Claremont Convergence. The Blue Jays won three of their four matches and have won six of their last seven. Hopkins defeated La Verne (10-9), Claremont-Mudd-Scripps (8-5) and UC Santa Cruz (11-6). The team's only loss came to Redlands (9-6).
In the opening match, Hopkins fell behind early and trailed 3-2 heading into the second quarter. The Blue Jays rallied, outscoring the Leopards 6-1 to take an 8-4 lead into the half. That lead proved to be just enough, as La Verne's outscored Hopkins 5-2 in the second half. Junior All-American Peter Davis (Riverside, CT/Greenwich) led the way with four goals, all in the second quarter. Senior All-American Sean McCreery (Pleasant Hill, CA/ De La Salle) had three tallies in the game.
The afternoon match, with host CMS, was tightly contested. Junior Josh Kratz (Lansdale, PA/North Penn) scored with 3:47 to play in the second, giving Hopkins its first lead of the game at 3-2. The Blue Jays would never trail again. Goals by sophomore Kyle Gertridge (Gunn Prep/Paolo Alto, CA) and Davis helped push the lead to 5-2 in the third. CMS would get no closer than three as Hopkins held off the Stags for the win.
On Saturday, Hopkins opened up against UC Santa Cruz. Thanks to solid defense and a strong offense, the Blue Jays led 6-1 at the half. Five different Blue Jays scored in the first half, led by Gertridge's two strikes. The first half deficit would be too much for the Slugs to overcome. Gertridge and McCreery led the way with three goals apiece.
Hopkins closed out the weekend against Redlands. The Bulldogs are ranked second in the latest DIII poll, behind the #1 ranked Blue Jays, but came away with the win. McCreery had two goals in the loss for Hopkins.
The Blue Jays return to action on Wednesday, October 10 when the Navy Midshipmen visit Baltimore. The Southern Division match is set for 4:30 pm in the Newton White Athletic Center. The Midshipmen enter the match with a 13-5 record and are ranked #13 in the nation.
