Villanova women’s water polo hosted the Wildcat Invitational from Feb. 6 to Feb. 8, hoping to improve its 2-2 record. On Friday, the ‘Cats split the four matches during the weekend. It lost to their first opponent, California Baptist University, on Friday.
Villanova found itself with an early 6-3 deficit. Sophomore attacker Layla Canales scored a goal. However, the Wildcats further fell to 10-6 by halftime.
The third quarter saw a comeback from the ‘Cats, who came within two, 14-12. They did not get closer.
Freshman utility Tessa Pettit added two goals in the fourth quarter.
On the second day of the tournament, Villanova defeated Gannon, 20-3.
Senior center Ella Mattocks and junior attacker Tippy Maguire scored two goals in the first quarter to give Villanova a 6-2 lead.
Junior attacker Emmie Mallory scored two more goals, making the score 13-3 by halftime. Sophomore goalie Rachel Stephens got her first start of the season in front of the net, saving two goals in the first half. Freshman Reia Kimi, who collected her first set of collegiate saves in the second half.
“It’s great to get experience at that level,” head coach Michael Gordon said. “They made all the saves we needed too. All [of Kimi’s] freshman nerves disappeared since her last game.”
After having trouble scoring earlier, Villanova exploded in the win.
“With our earlier offensive struggles, it felt good and gave us confidence,” Gordon said. “It’s great for the team culture when we’re supporting everyone in the water, offense and defense.”
On Saturday, Villanova defeated Iona, 17-10.
The ‘Cats started with nine goals in the first half, two of them coming from senior center Ella Mattocks. Although Villanova was outscored 4-3 in the third quarter, it added five goals in the fourth quarter.
Canales added two goals in the fourth to seal the victory.
“We beat them last year in the MAAC championship series, so they were ready to win,” Gordon said. “It was a statement win.”
The win marked the Villanova’s 20th all-time win over the Gaels.
On Sunday morning, Villanova faced off against Harvard, which began its season with a perfect 8-0 record.
The ‘Cats got started with a goal from sophomore attacker Riley Hull. They were unable to hold off the Crimson, which took a 10-2 halftime lead.
Villanova started the second half by attempting multiple shots. Senior utility Sara Withers scored two goals. However, Harvard matched Villanova, making it 14-6 by the end of the third.
“[Harvard’s] goalie played well, which enabled them to build on that lead,” Gordon said.
The Wildcats eventually fell 18-8 to the Crimson. Coach Gordon remained optimistic.
“We gotta sharpen up our passing in tight windows,” Gordon said. “We want the ball in teammates’ hands.”
Villanova will travel to Lewisburg, PA, for the Bucknell Invitational on Feb. 14 and 15. The Wildcats will take on Occidental College and Saint Francis University on Saturday, before facing Siena College on Sunday to close out the weekend.
