This post was written by Hatchet reporter Rob Bartnichak. 

A 13-7 loss to No. 12 Princeton extended men’s water polo’s losing streak to four Sunday.

With the loss, the Colonials dropped to 6-5 overall and 0-4 in conference play. GW lost to Bucknell 11-10 on Saturday.

“We have to eliminate the mental errors that we’ve been having,” head coach Scott Reed said. “We need to clear our heads.”

The Tigers scored the first five goals of the game and held an 8-2 lead at halftime. GW went goal for goal with Princeton through the remainder of the game, but could not chip away at the scoring deficit.

Senior Adam Wrobel and freshman Pierce Deamer led the Colonials with two goals each against Princeton, while senior Ridvan Pehlivan led the team with five goals in the two games this weekend.

Junior goalkeeper Connor Dillon made 10 saves Sunday after sophomore Sander Profaci recorded a career-high 12 against Bucknell the day before.

The Colonials are now looking to avoid the same type of midseason slump they suffered from last year. GW started the 2013 season 10-2 before going 3-9 for the remainder of the season.

“We’re looking on implementing some new offensive schemes that we’re working on,” Reed said. “And of course we need to continue to keep tweaking our defense.”

While Reed focuses on tactical changes, senior Brian Mojica said he needs to continue working on his mental game.

“I get a little frustrated at times, so I need to work on my self-confidence,” Mojica said.

GW begins a five-game California road trip Thursday with a match at Cal Baptist. They will then play four games in the Gary Troyer Tournament in Claremont, Calif.