Notre Dame’s men’s water polo club won three of four contests in this weekend’s conference qualifiers round robin. In the first game, the Irish started strong as junior captain Pat Connors, senior Colin Dunn and freshman Matt Fordonski each found the back of the net twice. A sluggish second half allowed Ohio to consistently score from the perimeter, but the Irish maintained a two goal lead throughout, closing the game at 10-8.

Freshman goalie Henry Short was strong in goal the first period, permitting only one goal to Grand Valle State. The defending national champions scored with several counter attacks in the second period to take a 5-0 lead into the half. Fordonski scored for the Irish to open the second half, but the Lakers wore down the Irish with counter attacks and won going away, 15-3.

The Irish rebounded quickly, taking a 4-0 lead over Chicago in the first quarter of game three, and again held on with see saw play in a 13-9 win. Senior Josh Raycroft, Dunn, Connors, Junior Avery Ambrose, Fordonski, and freshman Nick Normandin registered goals.

Coming out strong was complemented with a strong effort throughout as the Irish defeated Ball State in the finale, 17-5. Raycroft, Dunn, and Zhan Wei-Khaw each scored multiple goals in the first half, while Short posted a first half shutout in goal. Sean Rooney, Mark Robertshaw, and Normandin scored in the second half as the Irish cruised to the win.