Box Score 1 | Box Score 2

Erie, Pa. - Mercyhurst women's water polo competed in the first day of the WWPA Erie Classic Saturday afternoon with two games on their ledger, coming away with a win in one while falling in the other. They began with Gannon with the Golden Knights able to do just enough to come out on top, 8-7. Mercyhurst was able to flip the script and secure a one-goal win over Salem in their second game of the day in their 15-14 win.

How it Happened

In the team's contest with Gannon, the Lakers managed to put together a competitive first period with the score standing in favor of Mercyhurst 3-2. It was not any one player getting it done for the Lakers as Sakura Gavin, Rachel Vlietstra, and Alexa Corroa each dented the twin once in the frame. The Golden Knights did not stay down for long, though, using a solid second quarter to go on a 4-1 run and claim a 6-4 advantage at the midway point.

Mercyhurst's defense tightened up in the third as they did not allow a goal while Allie Dombkowski scored her second goal of the game in the eight minute window with the Lakers able to cut into the lead and make it a one goal game. Dombowksi ended up completing the hat trick to begin the fourth quarter as she helped tie it, 6-6. Back-to-back Gannon goals followed, though, as the Golden Knights once again pulled out in front. Corrao was able to get her second goal of the game to make it 8-7 in the waning seconds, but that was as close as the Lakers could get.

Game two was a tightly contested one as well with much more offense as the Lakers scored the third-most goals for a single game this season in their 15-14 win over the Tigers. After things were tied 2-2 at the end of the first, Mercyhurst went on a run in the second with six goals. Five different players scored in the frame with Bri Allstun getting things started just 20 seconds in the quarter while Dombkowski followed with back-to-back goals with Corroa, Grace Brzyski, and Vlietstra each getting in on the action as well to make it an 8-6 game at the halftime break. 

Salem continued to hang around with the team breaking through in the fourth quarter with five goals to their line for their most in any frame in the game. That offensive outburst helped the Tiger close the gap and threaten to take the lead from the Lakers, but their defense held strong in the final minutes to help them claim the win.

Highlights

Allie Dombkowski led the way for the Lakers with 10 points in the two games, being the only Mercyhurst player to reach double-digits. She finished with a team-high six goals while adding four assists to her line, making for one of her better efforts on the year. She was followed by Sakura Gavin who had eight on one goal and seven assist while Rachel Vlietrsta rounded out the group with six points on five goals and an assist.

Next Game

The Lakers wrap up their time in the WWPA Erie Classic tomorrow when they see McKendree. Mercyhurst has the early game on Sunday as they are set to see the Bearcats at 8:30 a.m. inside the Hallman Aquatics Center.