Friday, October 23
Santa Clara, CA
10:00 AM
Saint Mary's College of California
12
vs
10
Bucknell
10/23/2026 12:34:00 PM | Men's Water Polo
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The Saint Mary's men's water polo team opened the Julian Fraser Memorial Tournament with a 12-10 victory over Bucknell on Friday morning. After splitting their first two matchups earlier this season, the Gaels came out on top in the third meeting between the two programs to improve to 7-10 overall. Harry Irwin led the offensive charge with a career-high five goals, while Leo Hachem and Hamish Ellison recorded hat tricks. In goal, Federico Castrucci tied his career high with 11 saves to help Saint Mary's secure the victory.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Irwin got the scoring started in the opening quarter, before Mason Black followed with a goal off an assist from Domenico Barillà. Irwin added his second goal of the game after Andrew Donlin fed him a pass to tie the game 3-3 headed into the second quarter. Bucknell took the lead early with a power-play goal, but Saint Mary's quickly responded as Hachem converted on a five-meter penalty shot drawn by Noah Bigara to even the score. Ellison followed with a power-play goal off an assist from Irwin to put the Gaels back in front. Hachem then came up with a steal and took the ball down the pool, finishing past two defenders and the goalkeeper to extend the Gaels' advantage. Ellison added his second goal of the game before the break, while the Saint Mary's defense held Bucknell to just two goals in the quarter to take a 7-5 lead into halftime.Â
Following the break, Hachem opened the scoring with his second five-meter penalty goal of the game, once again drawn by Bigara. Irwin followed with a power-play goal off an assist from Ethan Klerck before finding the back of the net again on a quick catch-and-shoot opportunity. The Gaels maintained their advantage through the third quarter to take a 10-7 lead into the final eight minutes of play. Ellison and Irwin each found the back of the net in the fourth quarter, with Barillà assisting on both goals. The Bison battled back with three goals in the final quarter to narrow the gap, but Saint Mary's held on to secure the 12-10 victory.
GAME NOTES
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LOOKING AHEAD
The Gaels will continue action at the Julian Fraser Memorial Tournament tomorrow, Saturday, October 24 at 3:40 p.m. as they take on Pomona-Pitzer. Additional match information can be found at smcgaels.com.Â
Be sure to follow your Gaels on Facebook, Instagram, and X to get all the latest Saint Mary's athletics updates and information.
#GaelsRise
HOW IT HAPPENED
Irwin got the scoring started in the opening quarter, before Mason Black followed with a goal off an assist from Domenico Barillà. Irwin added his second goal of the game after Andrew Donlin fed him a pass to tie the game 3-3 headed into the second quarter. Bucknell took the lead early with a power-play goal, but Saint Mary's quickly responded as Hachem converted on a five-meter penalty shot drawn by Noah Bigara to even the score. Ellison followed with a power-play goal off an assist from Irwin to put the Gaels back in front. Hachem then came up with a steal and took the ball down the pool, finishing past two defenders and the goalkeeper to extend the Gaels' advantage. Ellison added his second goal of the game before the break, while the Saint Mary's defense held Bucknell to just two goals in the quarter to take a 7-5 lead into halftime.Â
Following the break, Hachem opened the scoring with his second five-meter penalty goal of the game, once again drawn by Bigara. Irwin followed with a power-play goal off an assist from Ethan Klerck before finding the back of the net again on a quick catch-and-shoot opportunity. The Gaels maintained their advantage through the third quarter to take a 10-7 lead into the final eight minutes of play. Ellison and Irwin each found the back of the net in the fourth quarter, with Barillà assisting on both goals. The Bison battled back with three goals in the final quarter to narrow the gap, but Saint Mary's held on to secure the 12-10 victory.
GAME NOTES
Â
- Harry Irwin recorded a career-high five goals to lead the Gaels offensively.
- Leo Hachem and Hamish Ellison each recorded hat tricks, accounting for six of the Gaels' 12 goals.Â
- Federico Castrucci tied his career high with 11 saves, matching his previous career-best performance set in the Gaels' first meeting with Bucknell earlier this season.
- Saint Mary's improved to 7-10 overall and picked up its second victory over Bucknell this season, taking two of three matchups between the two programs.Â
LOOKING AHEAD
The Gaels will continue action at the Julian Fraser Memorial Tournament tomorrow, Saturday, October 24 at 3:40 p.m. as they take on Pomona-Pitzer. Additional match information can be found at smcgaels.com.Â
Be sure to follow your Gaels on Facebook, Instagram, and X to get all the latest Saint Mary's athletics updates and information.
#GaelsRise
Players Mentioned
UTL
/ Men's Water PoloUTL
/ Men's Water PoloGK
/ Men's Water PoloATT
/ Men's Water PoloATT
/ Men's Water PoloATT
/ Men's Water PoloATT
/ Men's Water PoloATT
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