MWP | Gaels Drop Final Match of Julian Fraser Memorial To No. 18 Harvard

Sunday, October 25

Santa Clara, CA

8:00 AM

Saint Mary's College of California

Harvard

Box Score

10/25/2026 10:00:00 AM | Men's Water Polo

SAN JOSE, Calif. - Saint Mary's men's water polo battled the 18th ranked Harvard Crimson this morning, scoring 11 goals, with three different Gaels recording a brace, before ultimately falling, 17-11. Saint Mary's trailed by just one after a thrilling first half that featured seven different Gael goalscorers, but a strong third quarter from the Crimson was enough to secure the victory.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Gaels and Crimson battled from the get-go, as junior Klerck got the scoring started for Saint Mary's before Harry Irwin scored his seventh goal of the tournament to level the match at two apiece. Sophomore Donovan Swann was next on the scoresheet for the Gaels, followed by freshman Rocco Di Rosa converting a five-meter penalty to give the Gaels there first lead of the match. Saint Mary's would score three more times before the end of the half thanks to goals from a trio of freshman in Jacob Carlson, Leo Hachem, and Hamish Ellison.

The Crimson would then open the second half with a four goal run, taking a 12-7 lead before Nick Valente found the back of the net for his first goal of the tournament. Jacob Carlson then scored a solo goal to bring the Gaels within five, his second of the match and first career brace in Gael colors. Ethan Klerck and Donovan Swann then recorded their second goals of the match, but a six goal performance from Harvard's Clay Carrington was enough to give the Crimson their first win of the tournament.

GAME NOTES

Jacob Carlson, Ethan Klerck, and Donovan Swann each led the Gaels with two goals in the match, with Carlson recording his first brace as a Gael.
Leo Hachem and Nick Valente led the way with two assists apiece.
Eight different Gaels scored in the match, including Leo Hachem's team-leading 46th goal of the season, now ranking 9th in the conference.
Hamish Ellison led the Gaels with five shots in the match.
Federico Castrucci recorded four saves in the match, the 14th time this season he's done so.

LOOKING AHEAD

Saint Mary's men's water polo returns to action this coming Friday, October 30th at 1 p.m. against the No. 19 Santa Clara Broncos at Sullivan Aquatic Center. The match can be streamed live on ESPN+, with additional match information available at smcgaels.com.

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