The Saint Francis water polo team will make its debut Feb. 11 at the Bison Invitational at Bucknell University.

Water polo became an intercollegiate varsity sport at Saint Francis in 2016-17.

Other schools competing at Bucknell, in addition to the Red Flash and the host Bison, include Claremont-Mudd-Scripps College, Mercyhurst University and St. Francis College of Brooklyn.

Red Flash head water polo coach Pat Beemer said his team has been training rigorously, with practices five days a week, typically twice a day.

Beemer said his team is both excited and nervous.

“I’m nervous, anxious, excited—all of the above,” said Beemer. “The girls are likely feeling exactly the same. I know they’re ready to get out and compete.

“The season has been a long time coming. Six months of training for them, 18 months for me. Everyone is ready to go.”

The Red Flash will compete in the Collegiate Water Polo Association (CWPA). The CWPA is the largest water polo conference in the United States.

After the Bison Invitational, SFU’s next action will be against George Washington University on Feb. 17 at 7 p.m. at the Stokes Center’s natatorium.