This past weekend we took 5th at the New England Championships, held right here at MIDD. We faced two tough match ups on Saturday – against Boston College and Dartmouth – the eventual first and second-place finishes. The first game was against BC, and we kept the score close for the first half, with stellar defense and goalie play. With strong swimming and extra-man goals, BC slowly continued to add to their lead. They eventually won 10-4, although the game was much closer than the final score. After a short rest, Middlebury faced the eventual winners of the tournament, Dartmouth College. Despite a solid effort and many scoring opportunities, we were unable to convert our chances and ended the game 14-2.

On Sunday Middlebury fought for fifth place against Boston University (a school of 31,000 students). We jumped out to an early lead, capitalizing on strong outside shooting. At the half, the score was 6-1. In the second half BU cut into the lead by converting extra-man chances, as two Middlebury players were rolled (for three ejections). However, Midd scored again and played defense when it counted, holding on for an exciting 7-6 win to close the tournament. Dartmouth prevailed over BC in the championship game, earning themselves a trip to DI Club Nationals in Oregon.

Pictures coming soon.

During the New England Championship Tournament held at Middlebury this weekend, we’re hosting a Family and Alumni Dinner on Saturday Night. All current and former players from the Men’s and Women’s teams on campus for Homecoming Weekend are invited!

What: Water Polo Family and Alumni Dinner

When: Saturday 10/20, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Mr. Ups

RSVP: Peter – pdiprinzio@middlebury.edu

After the final regular-season league tournament at Boston University this past weekend, the CWPA has posted the final schedule for the New England League Championships, held October 20-21, right here at Middlebury College.

Saturday, October 20th at 7:30pm will be the Alumni and Parents Dinner at Mr. Ups. All parents, family and friends of the Men’s and Women’s teams are invited. Please email pdiprinzio@middlebury.edu to RSVP.

The CWPA has oficially announced Middlebury’s hosting of Divison III Club Nationals, including tournament info, schedules, and lodging info. For fans who can’t make it up to Vermont, there will be a live stream available to watch (see below). You can see the full post on the CWPA website and the full schedule on the Schedules and Results page. Here are the key parts, including a glowing description of our pool:

COLLEGIATE WATER POLO ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES 2012 MEN’S DIVISION III CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE

BRIDGEPORT, Pa. — The Collegiate Water Polo Association (CWPA) has released the schedule of games for the 2012 Men’s Division III National Collegiate Club Championship set for November 3-4 at Middlebury College in Middlebury, Vt.

Featuring the top finishing Division III programs from the North Atlantic, Heartland, New York, Missouri Valley, Southeast, Mid-Atlantic, New England Division, the runner-up finisher from the North Atlantic Division and the host Panthers, the tournament is comprised of 15-games over two days.

The tournament is expanded in both the number of teams and games from the 2011 field as eight teams and 12 games highlighted last year’s championship at Hamilton College in Clinton, N.Y.

The positions in the field are based on each competing division’s finish at the 2011 Division III National Collegiate Club Championship.  Final results from the 2010 Championship are available by CLICKING HERE.

All competition will occur in the Middlebury Natatorium as the 18-lane, state-of-the-art 50 meter-by-25 yard Olympic-size swimming pool opened in 1997 and has a seating capacity of 1,000 spectators.

Fans and participating teams can booked hotels rooms for the championship in advance as a 25-room block has been established at the Courtyard Marriott Middlebury. Rooms are available at a discounted cost of $119 per night beginning on Friday, November 2.

To book a room, fill out the CWPA Hotel Reservation form and a representative from the league’s accomodations partner BookMyGroup will be in contact with you.

The form is available at http://www.collegiatewaterpolo.org/Forms/HotelReservationForm