This past weekend, Villanova women’s water polo split its matchups against Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) opponents, Marist and Virginia Military Institute. A narrow, 14-13 loss against No. 17 Marist (21-4, 5-0 MAAC) and decisive 20-6 victory over VMI (7-11, 1-4 MAAC) stretches the Wildcats (17-8, 4-1 MAAC) to 17 total wins this season, as they continue to make their case for a national ranking.
The ‘Cats kicked off the weekend on Saturday, March 21, taking on Marist.
Sophomore attacker Layla Canales led Villanova’s offense, scoring four goals. Sophomore attacker Riley Hull followed, scoring three.
“Riley is an incredibly hard working player,” head coach Michael Gordon said. “Nothing has surprised me with how hard she works and prepares herself. She has quickness and speed and her water polo IQ is killer.”
Senior utility Sara Withers added four assists, and senior attacker Coco Jones tallied three.
“We had a lot of success passing the ball,” Gordon said. “We were moving the goalie and adjusting the defense which has been a big part of our success. They’re all looking to make that extra pass and hook up their players with a goal.”
Senior goalie Gracin Kerry was in front of the net for the game’s duration, saving four of 18 looks on goal.
Marist took early control of the game, following an offensive first quarter. Marist led 7-5 before Hull tied up the game with two goals.
The Red Foxes responded with two goals before halftime, leaving the Wildcats trailing, 9-7.
Coming out of intermission, Hull scored another goal to tie the game, 9-9.
Marist found its momentum in the third quarter, scoring three unanswered goals.
Villanova struggled to find its rhythm until the game’s final quarter where they chipped a three goal deficit to just one goal.
Although Marist went scoreless for the final 3:54, Villanova was unable to overpower them, losing the game, 14-13.
The defeat marked the first conference loss for the Wildcats this season.
Sunday morning saw a statement victory from the Wildcats, as Villanova outscored Virginia Military Institute, 20-6. Canales, Hull, Freshman center Annika Wise, and sophomore attacker Catharine McCann all had hat tricks as six other Wildcats were on the scoreboard as well.
“I might have a little different mentality,” Gordon said. “But for the message to my players I try to keep it as consistent as possible. We came out on Sunday with the same fire and tenacity and don’t take anything for granted.”
Canales also had three assists with freshman utility Tessa Petit and senior center Ella Mattocks each having two. In addition, both Catharine McCann and Sara Withers had three steals on the day leading the team.
“They played really well,” Gordon said. “Catharine McCann had a hat trick and Annika Wise also found key moments.”
With eight goals in the first quarter and five in the second, VMI had little opportunity to score as Villanova’s defense kept them under control. The Keydets struggled to find the net as they finished the half trailing 13-4.
Kerry started the game, before sophomore goalie Rachel Stephens and freshman goalie Reia Kimi received an opportunity in front of the net. Stephens saved four in five attempts and Kimi saved 10 on 12 attempts while also getting a steal.
Finishing the game with a 7-2 run helped the Wildcats secure the victory and move to 3-1 in conference play.
“We came out hot and did what we wanted to do,” Gordon said. “We cycled through everyone that was healthy to get playing time. We have a big group of seniors graduating with a lotta holes to fill and I want these players coming off the bench to be ready through real-game experience.”
Waterpolo will now travel to Lexington, VA, taking on Siena College, Iona University and Mount St. Mary’s on Saturday, March 28 and Sunday, March 29.
With one weekend left in conference play, Villanova sits one spot behind Marist in the rankings and depends on their last games to overtake the lead.
