NORTON, MA – In a nail-biting matchup, second-ranked Johns Hopkins defeated ninth-ranked Augustana 11-10 in Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF) play. This win marked a historic moment for the Blue Jays, who finished the conference season unbeaten at 8-0 for the first time ever, raising their overall record to 19-5. The Vikings, meanwhile, ended with a 14-7 record and a solid 7-1 in the MPSF.
The game was thrilling right down to the wire. With just 53 seconds left on the clock, Luke Mendelsohn scored, giving Hopkins an 11-9 lead. Augustana quickly responded. After drawing an exclusion, James Davis capitalized on a power play, closing the gap to 11-10 with 45 seconds remaining. The Blue Jays almost extended their lead again, but Declan Hutton made a critical save on a five-meter shot. Oskar Bannister had a last chance for Augustana, but Kyle Pearson was there with a game-saving block.
Hopkins struck first when Andrew Lee scored just 14 seconds into the match. However, the Vikings rallied with three consecutive goals, pulling ahead 3-1. Mason Hofmann scored early in the second for the Blue Jays, but Augustana’s Rhys Lomax quickly replied. The tension grew as Ben Lucas and Phillip Long scored back-to-back goals, tying the game at four before halftime.
Augustana took the lead again early in the third quarter. Yet, the Blue Jays responded with a scoring spree, netting five goals to take control at 10-7. Four different players contributed, with Hofmann leading the Blue Jays by scoring twice during the stretch.
Despite the deficit, the Vikings weren’t finished. Goals from Bannister and Addison brought them within one, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.
Hofmann and Alec Baker were standout players for Hopkins, with Hofmann scoring three goals while also blocking shots and stealing the ball. Andrew Lee was active, drawing five exclusions and scoring. Pearson ended with nine saves, a key factor in the tense victory.
This match highlights the fierce competition in collegiate water polo, especially in the MPSF. As Hopkins prepares for their final game against Salem, they reflect on a season filled with hard-fought battles and a remarkable unbeaten conference record.
The future looks bright for the Blue Jays, who have set a new standard for the program as they head into postseason play. For more on the latest in collegiate water polo, visit NCAA Water Polo.
