Villanova, Pa – Mercyhurst Women's Water Polo falls to Villanova in their first match of the season. Despite great efforts, the Lakers lose by a score of 18-8.

First Half

The Lakers started the game slow, as the Wildcats jumped out to a three-goal lead early in the first quarter. Hanna Good netted the first goal for her team, cutting the lead down to two, 3-1.

Villanova didn't slow down in the second, as they kept applying pressure and scoring the ball. The Wildcat's offense proved to be more than what the Lakers could handle, eventually winning the half by a score of 10-3.

Second Half

Mercyhurst entered the second half with a lot of energy, as Sakura Gavin went on a two-goal scoring run in the third period while adding one more to begin the fourth. The team tried their best to come back in the game thanks to Gavin's pair of goals.

She was helped by Eva Henneman who scored her first goal as a Laker to make it a 15-8. Mercyhurst efforts were not enough, though, as Villanova held the lead and finished the game defeating the Lakers by a score of 18-8.

Game Highlights

Sakura Gavin led the charge with three goals and one steal, and she was followed by Sara Marin with two goals. Molly Langridge registered a team-high two assists while Panna Mozbauer recorded seven saves in the goal for the Lakers.

What's Next

The Lakers travel to Emmitsburg, Md. to take on Mount St. Mary's tomorrow, February 5th, with the sprint-off scheduled for 4:00 p.m.