The men's water polo team celebrated its first game as a varsity squad with a splash last night, drenching the University of New Hampshire by the humiliating score of 19-1.

But it could have been worse for the Wildcats--much worse. Crimson coach Stephen Pike inserted his second string at the start of the second half, after the exuberant staring lineup had pounced on UNH with 15 unanswered goals in the first half.

Only a marker early in the fourth quarter pierced the Crimson's defensive shell. Though the aquamen permitted the UNH squad to register 21 shots on goal, most of them came from long range and few were dangerous.

Feast

By contrast, the Crimson offense proved a model of efficiency and treachery. The aquamen unleashed 31 shots at the befuddled UNH netminder.

Crimson goalie Rich Reed split the chores with Chris Trakas and did not allow a goal during his stint.

Despite the fact that this was the first game ever as a varsity squad for mentor Pike's charges, it was as vintage an effort as they come. Junior Houston Hall led all Crimson scorers with four goals, but the impressive aspect of the contest was the Crimson's balance.

Goals Galore

No fewer than five players chipped in two goals apiece. Senior co-captain Juan Enriquez notched a pair, as did junior standout Rich Guerra, senior Rick Rausenbush and John Fisher.

Rausenbush and co-captain John Hansen scored from penalty shots. But the most mind-bogging performance came from freshman David Fasi of Hawaii, who recorded eight--count 'em--eight assists to go with a single goal. Remember, that's in one half only.

The aquamen continue their first season in formal intercollegiate competition against the MIT Engineers tomorrow, at MIT. The squad from down the river promises to provide at least a bit stiffer of a test.