Hard work went unrewarded for Penn State's club water polo team, with a 10-8 loss to Villanova in the final of the Mid-Atlantic Division Championships over the weekend.

The club hosted the season-ending tournament of ten club teams Saturday and Sunday at McCoy Natatorium. The Nittany Lions entered the tournament as the No. 2 seed with an 8-0 record in the Western Region of the Mid-Atlantic Division. They trounced Millersville 18-2, and beat Pennsylvania in the semifinal to make the final.

The Lions raised the intensity in the championship game with an aggressive performance. The game stayed close in the first half, with a tie score at halftime. Sophomore Robbie Thomas scored a big goal in the third quarter to give Penn State a 7-6 lead.

In the fourth, the Lions' offense struggled to find good scoring opportunities, as Villanova scored two quick goals. The Lions were also hampered by several penalties toward the end.

With only two minutes left in the game, sophomore Jamie Bolton scored a goal to keep the team's championship hopes alive. Unfortunately for the Lions, Villanova possessed the ball well in the final minutes.

Villanova earned an automatic bid to the national tournament with the win. The Wildcats were the top seed going into the tournament and ranked 17th in the nation.

While the result was upsetting, the club has a lot to be proud of. This was the second year in a row the Lions advanced to the final game. Last year the team lost to Penn in the finals.

The club's performance in the tournament was characterized by their exciting and rough style of play. Senior Dennis Schmidt entertained his fans with several exciting goals. Not only does Schmidt lead the team in the pool, he also serves as the club's coach.

Sophomore keeper Eddie Silverman was a big part of the team's success.

"He's a tough goalie," Schmidt said.

Coming off a great freshman season, Silverman earned respect and helps direct the club as president. In the second half of the Penn game Silverman helped the team to victory with a number of big saves.

Dedicated to their sport and eager to improve their game, the club doesn't mind losing a little sleep to train. Throughout the season, the team practices five days a week from 9:30 p.m. until midnight.

Nearly all of the players on the team have a background in swimming and most played water polo in high school.

"When I was younger all the swimmers played water polo, so that's how I got started," Schmidt said.

A few seniors played for the Lions all four years of their college career.

The Lions remained proud of their accomplishments this season despite the disappointing ending.

"We've really come together during this tournament," Schmidt said.