Fordham Water Polo’s Historic Season Ends in NC Championship Semifinal Loss to USC
Fordham Water Polo’s Historic Run Ends in Heartbreaking Overtime Loss
Palo Alto, calif. – The Fordham Rams’ magical water polo season came to a close on Saturday, falling just short of the NCAA championship final.in a thrilling overtime battle, the third-seeded Rams were edged out by the second-seeded USC Trojans, 18-16, at the Avery Aquatics Center.
The Rams, who entered the game with a program-best 32-0 record, started strong, netting the first two goals. Lucas Nieto Jasny opened the scoring with a penalty shot, followed by an even-strength goal from Luca Provenziani.
The intensity ramped up throughout the first half, with numerous exclusions and even a couple of misconducts. Fordham’s Barnabas Eppel was ejected, missing the remainder of the contest. Despite the physicality, the Rams held a 5-4 lead after the first quarter, thanks to two more goals from Nieto jasny and a penalty shot conversion by Jacopo Parrella.
USC gained momentum in the second quarter, capitalizing on Fordham’s exclusions.two more Rams, Balazs berenyi and Gabriel Melillo, were ejected, allowing the Trojans to take an 8-7 lead at halftime.
The Trojans extended their lead to three in the third quarter, but the Rams refused to back down. Back-to-back goals from Andras Toth and Provenziani brought Fordham within one. After USC scored again, Parrella stepped up with two consecutive goals to tie the game at 11 with just over a minute remaining in the period. USC managed to score with four seconds left, taking a 12-11 lead into the final quarter.
The fourth quarter was a back-and-forth affair.George Papanikolaou tied the game at 12 early on, and after another USC misconduct, Parrella scored his fourth goal of the game to give Fordham a 13-12 lead with under five minutes remaining.
USC answered with two goals to retake the lead, but Parrella once again came through with a clutch goal, tying the game at 14 with just over a minute left. Both teams had opportunities to win in regulation, but the game went into overtime.
USC dominated the first overtime period, scoring three times to take a 17-14 lead. Reid Thorson scored for Fordham in the final minute to cut the deficit to two,but the Trojans held on,adding another goal in the final three minutes to secure the 18-16 victory.
Despite the heartbreaking loss, the Rams had a season for the ages. Parrella led the way with a match-high five goals and an assist. Nieto Jasny had a hat trick and an assist, while Provenziani finished with two goals and four assists. Papanikolaou contributed two goals and two assists, and goalkeeper Thomas Lercari made eight saves, two assists, and two steals.
While the Rams’ quest for a national championship fell short,their historic 32-1 season will be remembered as one of the greatest in fordham athletics history. Their run to the national semifinal is a testament to their talent, dedication, and resilience.
Fordham’s Historic Water Polo Season Ends in Overtime Heartbreak
Palo Alto, Calif. – The Fordham Rams’ Cinderella run in the NCAA Water Polo National Championship came to an end on saturday with a heartbreaking 18-16 overtime loss to the second-seeded USC Trojans.
The third-seeded Rams, who entered the game undefeated at 32-0, found themselves trailing early in the first quarter but rallied to take a 5-4 lead thanks to goals by Lucas Nieto Jasny and Luca Provenziani.
USC gained momentum in the second quarter, capitalizing on Fordham exclusions to take an 8-7 lead at halftime. Despite the trojans extending their lead to three in the third quarter, fordham refused to give up, with Andras toth and Provenziani scoring to bring the Rams within one. Jacopo Parrella then stepped up with back-to-back goals to tie the game at 11. USC scored with four seconds remaining to take a 12-11 lead into the final quarter.
The fourth quarter saw both teams trade goals, with Parrella scoring his fourth goal of the game to tie the match at 14 with just over a minute left. However, Northeast Conference Player of the Year Parrella couldn’t secure the win for the Rams in regulation and the game went into overtime.
USC dominated the first overtime period, outscoring Fordham 3-1. Reid Thorson scored for the rams in the final minute to cut the deficit to two, but USC added another goal to seal their 18-16 victory.
Despite the heartbreaking loss, the Rams had a season for the ages.Parrella led the team with five goals and an assist. Nieto Jasny had a hat trick and an assist, while Provenziani finished with two goals and four assists. George Papanikolaou contributed two goals and two assists, and goalkeeper Thomas lercari made eight saves, two assists, and two steals.
Fordham’s historic 32-1 season will be remembered as one of the greatest in fordham athletics history. Their run to the national semifinal is a testament to their talent, dedication, and resilience.