Exeter boys water polo erased a three-goal deficit in the fourth quarter to earn a thrilling 9-8 comeback victory over St. John's Prep on Wednesday in the Nekton Championship Pool. The victory was the second straight for Big Red, which improved to 2-1 on the young season.

Exeter entered the fourth quarter trailing 7-4, but quickly began to chip away. Ethan Liu ignited the comeback with a goal just 1:40 into the quarter to pull Big Red within two. St. John's Prep answered just 23 seconds later to restore its three-goal advantage, but Exeter responded with four unanswered goals to close the game.

Owen Lee cut the deficit back to two before Henry Wise struck twice to pull Exeter even at 8-8. With under a minute remaining, Liu delivered again, finding the back of the net for the game-winner and completing a fourth quarter in which Big Red outscored St. John's Prep 5-1.

Logan Liu was outstanding in goal, turning aside 13 shots to help keep Exeter within striking distance and set the stage for the late rally.

The two teams will meet again next Wednesday when Big Red travels to St. John's Prep for a 4:00 p.m. matchup.