In the first home match of the season, the 16th-ranked Fordham Rams hosted the 20th-ranked Navy Midshipmen at the Francis B. Messmore Aquatic Center. This Sunday, Sept.26, marked just the third Mid-Atlantic Water Polo Conference match of the season, where Fordham claimed victory 17–10 to stay a perfect 3​​–0 in conference play and 9–3 in total. 

The Rams jumped out to an early lead behind a strong performance from freshman Lucas Nieto Jasny, who chipped in three of the team’s first five goals. The Barcelona native added another two goals and three assists, one of many first-year members who have made a huge impact early into the season. He was named MAWPC Rookie of the Week for his performance, becoming the third consecutive Ram to earn the honor.

Preceding him was freshman driver Jacopo Parrella who added three goals, three assists and two steals of his own. Parella has been an integral part of the Fordham squad since joining the team after missing the opening weekend as a part of Team Italy at the World Junior Championship in the Czech Republic. He ranks fourth on the team in goals (15) and points (27), while being second in assists (12) heading into the Navy match.

When asked about his contributions early on after playing for Team Italy, Parrella stated, “water polo here is totally different. In fact, the first games I played I still had to understand what I could and couldn’t do.” With that being said, he has clearly gotten accustomed to the new rules. “Over time I am learning more and more to play and get used to American water polo.”

Senior captain Bailey O’Mara had a strong performance in net, providing eight saves. Freshman goalkeeper Thomas Lercari came in during the fourth quarter and added one additional save. 

Looking ahead, Fordham will travel to California to play two matches on Thursday, Sept. 30, against the University of Redlands at 6:00 p.m. and Mt. San Antonio College at 9:30 p.m. Following those matches, they will play in the Gary Troyer Tournament against California Lutheran University at 2:30 p.m. and Westcliff University at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Whittier College at 1:15 p.m. and Long Beach State University at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday.