The Monmouth College men's water polo team opened their second season with more goals than a year ago, but had similar results after a weekend trip to Pennsylvania.

      The Scots fought back from a 5-1 halftime deficit in the season opener with Salem International, but eventually fell 13-10. John Fitzgerald led the second half charge, scoring a pair of fourth quarter goals. Salem scored two quick goals in the third period before Neal Hosper and Gabe Baginski got the Scots' scoring binge going.

      Monmouth's offense was steady in a 20-16 loss to Washington and Jefferson in the second match of the day. W&J raced out to an 8-3 first quarter lead and held a 12-6 advantage at the half. Back-to-back goals by Matt Smith in the final three minutes closed the gap to 19-15, but the Scots could get no closer as Smith finished the match with a team-high five scores.

      A quick start in Sunday's match with Mercyhurst found the Scots leading 3-1 at the end of the first quarter, but it was all Mercyhurst in the middle two frames. Mercyhurst roared back to hang a 16-8 loss on the Scots, posting 14 scores in the second and third quarters.

      Monmouth will host their first varsity match as part of Homecoming weekend in two weeks. The Scots will get a rematch with Salem International on Sat., Oct. 4 at 1 p.m. in the Pepper Natatorium.