ERIE, Pa – The Penn State Behrend men's water polo team opened their season with a win, defeating Washington & Jefferson 9-7 in their first game of the Mercyhurst Invitational Saturday afternoon.

Grant Garcia (Kingsburg, VA/Kingsburg) scored five goals to help the Lions (1-0) battle tough throughout the whole game, never allowing the Presidents (0-4) to gain a lead in the match.

Behrend jumped off to an early lead in the game, netting four goals in the first period while also keeping W&J off the board. The Presidents were relentless on giving up, scoring three goals in the second to try to keep them within striking distance.

However, the Lions firepower seemed to be too much to handle. Isaak Hatopp (Saline, MI/Saline) played rock solid defense totaling four steals. Freshman goalkeeper Bryce Barnes (Gig Harbor, WA/Gig Harbor) made 12 saves.

The Lions return to action on Sunday against Toronto at the Mercyhurst Invitational. Game begins at 11:30 a.m.