Washington, D.C., September 4, 2025
News Summary
The George Washington University water polo team finished the Triton Invitational with a 2-4 record, having won the first two matches before suffering four losses against ranked opponents. Key players like Antonio Florena and Adonis Vlassis showcased outstanding performances, with Florena scoring four goals in their first match. Looking ahead, the team prepares for the upcoming Princeton Invitational, where they aim to improve their ranking and performance against other competitive teams.
Washington, D.C. – The George Washington University (GW) water polo team concluded their participation in the Triton Invitational with a 2-4 overall record, experiencing highs and lows throughout the early stages of their season. Starting strong with two opening wins, GW faced a series of setbacks, suffering four consecutive losses to ranked teams during the tournament.
GW’s first match of the invitational was a challenging encounter against No. 2 USC, where they faced a decisive defeat with a score of 23-9. In this match, GW fell behind significantly, trailing by nine at halftime. Despite the disadvantage, Antonio Florena emerged as one of GW’s top performers, scoring four goals. Additionally, first-year player Ben McDade celebrated his milestone by scoring his first career goal during this challenging match, where GW managed to outscore USC 3-2 in the third quarter.
In their second match against No. 6 Long Beach State, GW entered strongly, leading 7-6 at the end of the first quarter. However, the momentum shifted, and GW ultimately lost the match 19-8. Notably, Yam Kabakov was a standout in the first quarter, scoring three goals, while teammate Adonis Vlassis added two goals and Vasilije Marinkovic showcased his defensive skills with seven saves.
The team faced another tight match against No. 14 UC Davis, where they narrowly lost 11-9. GW held a brief 3-2 lead at halftime; however, a tough third quarter allowed UC Davis to score four unanswered goals. GW made a commendable comeback, tying the game at 8-8 in the fourth quarter. First-year players Andrea Forno and Anthony Ferneini each scored twice in this effort, while Vlassis contributed by drawing five ejections and securing four steals.
In their final match at the invitational against No. 12 UC San Diego, GW was unable to overcome an early deficit, ultimately losing the game 19-12. Despite the loss, Vlassis continued to shine, leading the team with five goals. While GW struggled early on, they matched UC San Diego’s scoring output in the second half of play.
Looking ahead, GW is set to compete at the Princeton Invitational on September 5-6, where they will face more ranked opponents, including No. 1 UCLA, No. 14 California Baptist, and RV Santa Clara. After the Triton Invitational, GW is currently ranked No. 19 in the Collegiate Water Polo Association (CWPA) coaches poll, tied with Navy, having earned 11 votes following their competitive performance against these storied programs.
Upcoming Matches
1. September 5-6, Princeton Invitational
2. Opponents: No. 1 UCLA, No. 14 California Baptist, RV Santa Clara
Performance Summary
| Match | Opponent | GW Goals | Opponent Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | No. 2 USC | 9 | 23 |
| 2 | No. 6 Long Beach State | 8 | 19 |
| 3 | No. 14 UC Davis | 9 | 11 |
| 4 | No. 12 UC San Diego | 12 | 19 |
FAQ
What is the George Washington University water polo team’s record at the Triton Invitational?
The team finished with a record of 2-4 at the Triton Invitational.
Who were the notable performers for GW during the invitational?
Antonio Florena, Yam Kabakov, Adonis Vlassis, Andrea Forno, Anthony Ferneini, and Vasilije Marinkovic had standout performances throughout the tournament.
When is the next tournament for GW water polo?
The next tournament will be the Princeton Invitational on September 5-6.
How is GW ranked in the CWPA coaches poll?
GW is currently ranked No. 19 in the CWPA coaches poll, tied with Navy with 11 votes.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- GW Sports: Castorina Added to Water Polo Staff as Assistant Coach
- Wikipedia: Water Polo
- GW Sports: Water Polo Downed by Ranked Teams in California
- Google Search: Water Polo
- GW Sports: No. 19 Water Polo Jumps into Rankings Ahead of Challenging Matchups
- Google Scholar: Water Polo Competition
- GW Sports: Water Polo Defeats No. 15 UC Santa Barbara
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Water Polo
- GW Sports: Women’s Soccer Welcomes Howard & Towson to the Vern
- Google News: GW Water Polo
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
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