Andrew Arnao
Sports Editor
The women’s water polo team travelled to Rhode Island to participate in the Southern Championships last weekend where it finished fifth overall. The Bison fell by final scores of 13-4 against No. 12 Princeton and 8-7 against George Washington, but managed to rebound and defeat Mercyhurst 9-4.
The Bison got things started on April 13 against tournament top-seed Princeton. Princeton scored two early goals in the first quarter, then added five more goals in the second quarter to break it open. Facing a 7-1 deficit at halftime, the Bison managed to pick up the offensive pace in the second half, but could not stop the bleeding as Princeton scored six more goals. Krystle Morgan ’13 led the Bison offense with two goals, while goalie Rena Heim ’14 recorded five saves.
The game against George Washington looked much more promising for the Orange and Blue, as the Bison jumped out to a 3-1 advantage in the first quarter and held a 4-3 lead going into the second half. A 5-3 run by the George Washington squad put it back on top, and the Bison were unable to regain the lead. Heim recorded 11 saves for the Bison, while Tara Murao ’13 contributed with two goals and an assist.
After the tough set of games, the Bison returned on April 14 against Mercyhurst, a team they had already beaten twice this season. The Orange and Blue worked a 4-1 lead in the first half, and continued to score goals in the second half as they moved out of reach. Mackenzie Ferry ’14 scored three goals for the Bison, while Morgan added two goals and two assists. Heim had an outstanding game, matching her season-high 12 saves and limiting Mercyhurst to only four goals, tied for the fewest allowed by the Bison this year.
After a week off, the women’s water polo team will travel to Michigan for the Eastern Championship, which will take place next weekend.