WASHINGTON, Pa. - The Penn State Behrend men's water polo team split two matches on Saturday.  The Lions defeated Salem 9-5 before falling to Washington and Jefferson 7-6.

In their first match of the day, Behrend held Salem scoreless in the second half en route to their third victory of the season.  Seven different players scored while two goalies helped the Lions post their best defensive effort of the season.

Freshmen John Ingari (York, PA/Central York) and Garrett Wagner (State College, PA/State College) led the Lions with two goals apiece.  Hunter Backenstose (Downingtown, PA/Downingtown East) came out of net to play in the field and record a goal.  Justin Vink (Los Angeles, CA/Granada Hills Charter) and Ali Khan (Lake Zurich, IL/Stevenson) also contributed a goal each.

Kody Veit (Harlesyville, PA/Souderton) continued his excellent play by netting a goal.  Veit is coming off a week in which he earned CWPA honors for Rookie of the Week.

In the night cap, Behrend lost a thrilling match to rival Washington and Jefferson.  The Lions found themselves down 6-2 at half time with the comback attempt falling just short.  Behrend out scored the Presidents 4-1 in the second half, but it was too little to late.  

Backenstose went back into the net for the second game of the day to record 18 saves. Khan netted a hat trick while Nic Pabich (Lake Forest, IL/Lake Forest) tallied two goals.  Veit netted his second goal of the day in the evening match, but the Lions fell one goal short.

Behrend will be back in the water on Saturday for the Division III East Championships at Penn State Behrend.  The Lions will face Johns Hopkins at noon.