Bucknell men’s water polo, currently sitting at 1-3, is gearing up for an exciting weekend at the Princeton Invite. They’ll face three ranked teams: top-ranked UCLA, #16 Harvard, and #9 Princeton. The match against Princeton will be streamed on ESPN+.
Event Details:
- What: Princeton Invite
- Where: DeNunzio Pool, Princeton, NJ
- When: September 6-7
- Watch here: ESPN+
- For more info: Tournament Central
Bucknell’s Journey So Far:
The Bison kicked off their 2025 season with a tough start at the Bruno Classic, finishing with a 1-3 record. They narrowly lost to #18 Harvard, falling 15-12. Bucknell showed strength against MIT, leading most of the game before losing in double overtime. They also faced #17 Brown and squeaked by Iona with a close 16-15 win. Tyler Hedblad has emerged as a key player, leading the team with ten goals, and a total of 12 different Bison scored during the Bruno Classic.
Despite their early struggles, Bucknell is still ranked fourth in the MAWPC Preseason Poll and received one vote in the Top 20 Poll.
Facing Strong Competitors:
UCLA began their season impressively, winning all three games with a staggering total score of 54-16. The Bruins displayed depth, featuring 15 different scorers. Harvard, with a record of 3-1 at the Bruno Classic, defeated Bucknell and others but fell short against #3 Fordham. Princeton, fresh off a 23-9 season, is eager to make a statement at its invite, looking to build off last year’s NCAA Quarterfinals appearance.
As the competition heats up, this weekend will be a great opportunity for Bucknell to challenge themselves against top-tier opponents. After this, they will host the annual Bucknell Invitational at Kinney Natatorium on September 20-21.
This tournament not only represents the fight for rank but also showcases the athletic talents and teamwork of the Bison. Fans and supporters will be looking closely as the season unfolds.
