HAYWARD, California – With a 7-5 loss to Sonoma State Sunday afternoon, the Mercyhurst University women's water polo team placed fourth overall at the Western Water Polo Association (WWPA) Championships. Kennedy Watson led the Lakers with two goals, two assists and one steal against the Seawolves, while senior Annie Blackman dished out two assists.

Sonoma State, the two-seed, held a 3-0 lead for the majority of the first half, until Watson assisted Meagan Marques on a power play opportunity with 25 seconds remaining in the half. For Marques, it was her seventh goal of the weekend -- currently tied for the most. Mercyhurst would trail the Seawolves 3-1 heading into the break.

Watson would score on the power play to cut the deficit to one, 3-2. Blackman assisted Watson with 4:22 showing in the third period. It was Watson's seventh goal of the weekend, also tying her for the most at the WWPA Championships.

After another power play goal for the Seawolves, their third of the game (3-12), Watson struck again. This time she was assisted by Nicki Borella at even strength. However, Sonoma State's Noelle Herrera responded with her third goal of the game, pulling the Seawolves back ahead by two, 5-3.

Mercyhurst would tie the game at five with back-to-back goals to close the third period and begin the fourth. Blackman netted her first of the game with 24 seconds remaining in the third, before she assisted Becky Insalaco for the game-tying goal in the fourth.

The Seawolves finished the final 3:30 with two goals, helping them to a 7-5 late lead that Mercyhurst was unable to overcome.

The Lakers (9-12) finished just 2-of-9 on the power play, while outshooting the Seawolves, 24-20.

Jesse Sworden finished game with eight saves.