Coming off a win against Maryland, Villanova women’s water polo faced off against Princeton, George Washington and Bucknell this past weekend in a series of Collegiate Water Polo Association games. The Wildcats lost all three matches, but several players had strong individual performances.

Junior Ellen Howe and sophomore Kim Pare were all-stars on the offensive side. Howe scored all of the goals in ‘Nova’s 8-4 loss to George Washington. In the 14-8 loss against Princeton, Howe had two goals, three assets, three steals and four ejections drawn. Pare had four goals against Princeton.

Despite the losses, ‘Nova displayed promising defensive improvement. In the match against George Washington, Jess Wells stopped 19 shots; against Princeton she made eight saves.

Against Bucknell, Denise Hanes took over goalkeeping and made nine saves. The women finished the weekend with the 7-4 loss to Bucknell. Pare had two goals giving her team-best of 45 on the season.

On March 26, the women dominated Maryland in their season home opener. The ‘Cats defeated the Terrapins 14-6 after a tight first few minutes.

The game was tied at three by the end of the third quarter, but the women outscored Maryland 11-3 in the remainder of the game to end with a victory. Pare was again the driving force behind the offense with six goals. Senior Jenny Rosick had four assists and Howe finished with three goals, two assists and two steals. Goalie Wells made 11 saves.

With a current record of 6-13, the ‘Cats have just one regular season game remaining.

Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the Villanova Swim Center, the Wildcats will face off against St. Francis.

Following that game tournament games begin. For the next three consecutive weekends the team will compete in the Southern Division Tournament, the Easter Tournament and the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Tournament.