(LEBANON, Ill., Feb. 12) — The McKendree University men's water polo team is set to open its 2021 season when they travel to Morgantown, West Virginia for a weekend of competition.

The Bearcats had their 2020 campaign cut short due to the onset of COVID-19 early last year.

In their 2019 campaign, the Bearcats captured 12 wins, including wins against Monmouth College and Salem University at the Mid Atlantic Water Polo Conference West Region Championships

This weekend, the Bearcats will face off against Washington & Jefferson College, as well as Gannon University on Saturday, February 13^th.

Following their face-offs with the Presidents and the Golden Knights, McKendree will square off against Mount St. Mary University and Mercyhurst University on Sunday, Feb. 14^th.

Head coach Colleen Lischwe is entering her fifth year in the program, and third as head coach. "This year has been a lesson in patience and resilience to say the least, but we are grateful to finally kick off the season. The men have trained diligently throughout the fall and winter months and I am excited to see what they put together in the water this short season" said coach Lischwe. "We have some fantastic talent and a great team dynamic in the water and I am confident that we are prepared for this weekend. We haven't had the luxury of competing yet like our opponents have but with the high intensity practices we've had and the competitive atmosphere we have created while training, we are certainly ready to go." 

Seniors Abraham Allen (Webster Groves, MO/Webster Groves), Pedro Osorio (San Bernardino, CA/Cajon), Chava Osorio (San Bernardino, CA/Cajon), and junior Josh Carlson (New Lenox, IL/Lincoln Way West) are some of the key players returning for another season. In the cage, freshman Jimmy Cronin (Naperville, IL/Metea Valley High School) will be looking to make an impact as the team's main goalie.