WPOLO: ‘Nova splits four games at Marist

Mary Elizabeth Donovan

At Marist College, the women’s water polo team won two games and lost two, giving the Wildcats a record of 3-3 in conference play. On April 14, they beat Siena 12-11 but lost to Iona 9-6 later in the day. On April 15, they beat St. Francis 12-7 and lost to Marist 8-6. Villanova is now in fourth place in the MAAC and well-positioned to qualify for the MAAC championship.

In the game against Siena, junior driver Carla Martinez had a career-high six assists to help the Wildcats defeat Siena. Senior Brynn Rooney and junior Christina Dopp each scored three goals, and seniors Nicole Sherry and Taylor Schrang had two goals apiece. Villanova had a strong defensive showing as well, forcing four turnovers and getting 12 steals. The Wildcats were losing 10-8 at the end of the third quarter, but their offensive and defensive efforts pulled through in the fourth quarter, giving them the narrow 12-11 win.

Against Iona, however, the Wildcats lost 9-6. The Gaels scored four times in the second period to take the lead and held on for the victory. Rooney and Dopp each scored twice in the loss, while senior Danielle Hanson had two assists.

On April 15, Villanova beat St. Francis (12-7) and fell to Marist (8-6). Both games were played at Siena College, in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. In the win over St. Francis, the Wildcats scored eight times in the second and third periods to take a 10-5 lead going into the final quarter. Martinez led the Wildcats with five goals and three assists, and Schrang scored two goals of her own. Junior goalie Erin Foley had four saves in the win and totaled 16 stops during the conference tournament.

The Marist Red Foxes, although first in the conference, trailed during the first half. However, they came back and outscored the Wildcats 4-1 in the second half. The Wildcats ended up losing 8-6. Junior Meredith Klipa and Rooney each had two goals.