LA MIRADA, Calif. --- Following its inaugural season in the Western Water Polo Association, Biola Men's Water Polo was recognized with two of its players earning postseason honors from the league.

Kenny Wulf earned All-WWPA honorable mention honors, while Mitchell Carpenter was the only goalkeeper named to the all-freshman team announced on Wednesday evening.

The awards come just a few days before the team opens play at the WWPA Championships up at UC Davis and honor the individuals for their efforts during the regular season. Wulf is one of just 21 players across the conference to earn All-WWPA. Carpenter is one of seven named to the all-freshman team.

Wulf led Biola scorers with 35 goals (1.6/gm). He found the twine on 33 percent of his shots throughout the year and drew more exclusions (19) than he was called for. Wulf had 11 assists to end the year with 46 total points, which also led the team. 

Fifteen of Wulf's 35 goals came in the eight WWPA matches Biola played, which is a scoring rate just a tick higher than his season average. Kenny had nine multi-goal matches and scored at least one goal in but three matches in 2021. His season-best was a five-goal output against McKendree at the Gary Troyer Tournament.

"Kenny has brought two years of skills and experience from his time at RCC to our inaugural Biola MWP team," said Head Coach Rick Nordell. "His experience has helped our players, who are mostly freshman, transition from high school water polo to playing at the collegiate level. Kenny is a fun and crafty player to watch and is a scoring threat whenever the ball is in his hand."

Mitchell Carpenter was electric in goal for Biola all season long. As part of a first-year program, he had to face a lot of shots and a lot of defensive mismatch situations and showed incredible poise and composure, especially for a freshman. Carpenter played in all 22 contests for Biola, logging over 600 minutes of action as a true freshman. 

He ended the regular season fourth in total saves (218) and second in saves-per-game (9.9). His save percentage was third-best in the league among those with 200+ saves. He added three assists and 15 steals. Biola went almost the entire season with one win, but Carpenter's heroics helped BU grab one more on their final day of the regular season. He posted a save percentage of .696 with 16 stops in Biola's 15-7 win over Ottawa (AZ) on October 29.

"Mitchell has been the foundation of our defense from day one. His work ethic, character and calm demeanor gives his teammates the confidence to run a variety of defenses, knowing that he will take care of the cage," said Nordell. "Mitchell is the teammate that every player wants on his team, both in and out of the water. Mitchell has exceeded my expectations in our inaugural season and I am excited to see the level of his play and leadership as he continues to grow into this role."

Biola begins its journey at the WWPA Championship with an 8 a.m. matchup against Fresno Pacific (6-21, 2-6 WWPA) on Friday morning in Davis. Check out the Championship Central page for links and more information.