ERIE, Pa. - John Krakowski's (Erie, Pa./Cathedral Prep) four goals lifted the Gannon men's water polo team to a 13-11 victory over Queens (N.Y.) in the Division II Eastern semifinals Saturday afternoon at Fordham University.

Gannon grabbed a 4-2 lead after one quarter, before extending its lead to 6-3 at halftime. The Golden Knights increased their lead to 11-7 after three periods, before Queens posted a 4-2 edge in the final eight minutes.

Krakowski led the way with four goals. Dmitriy Simonoff (Vernon Hills, Ill./Stevenson) recorded a hat trick. Michael Piper (Houston, Texas/Clear Lake) and Richie DiLoreto (Erie, Pa./McDowell) added two goals each.

Ben Syme (Victoria, B.C./Claremont Secondary) and Kent Campos (Orange, Calif./Tustin) completed the scoring with one goal apiece. Darren Stone (Johannesburg, South Africa) made 17 saves between the pipes.

Gannon improved to 10-6 with the semifinal victory. Queens (N.Y.) dropped to 6-13. The Golden Knights will play rival Mercyhurst Saturday night in the Division II Eastern Championship at 8:30 p.m.

Gannon Men's Water Polo Box Score
Division II Eastern Championships
Saturday, October 25, 2008

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Team (1st - 2nd - 3rd - 4th - Final)
Queens (N.Y.) (2 - 1 - 4 - 4 - 11)
Gannon (4 - 2 - 5 - 2 - 13)

Gannon Goals (13)
John Krakowski (4)
Dmitriy Simonoff (3)
Michael Piper (2)
Richie DiLoreto (2)
Ben Syme (1)
Kent Campos (1)

Gannon Goalkeeper
Darren Stone - 17 saves

Queens (N.Y.) (11)
Not available

Records
Queens (N.Y.) (6-13 overall)
Gannon (10-6 overall)