ERIE, Pa. - The Penn State Behrend men's water polo team lost a close match to Mercyhurst 13-11 on Sunday afternoon.

The Lions (0-6), coming off a 9-8 loss to Washington & Jefferson, fell short in the battle of local teams.  The match marked the fourth contest for Behrend in three days.

Averaging just under six goals a game, the Lions offense exploded for a season high 11.  Ali Khan (Lake Zurich IL/Stevenson) and Kody Veit (Harleysville, PA/Souderton) led the way with four goals each.  Wes Atkinson (Camarillo, CA/Rio Mesa) continued his strong play with two goals. Nic Pabich (Lake Forest, IL/Lake Forest) also contributed a goal. 

The defense was led by junior goalie Hunter Backenstose (Downingtown, PA/Downingtown East) who tallied a career high 21 saves.  Matthew Johnson (Houston, TX/Cypress Falls) also aided in the strong defensive effort with a team high three steals.

Behrend will be back in the water as they travel to Notre Dame College for a rematch against the Falcons at 12 p.m. on Sunday.