VILLANOVA, PA. — Saint Francis University concluded its weekend at Villanova University by taking down Salem University, 10-9, and the Virginia Military Institute, 16-12.
The Red Flash opened the day on the Main Line by facing Salem for the fifth time during the 2021 season.
Following victories at Indiana University on February 6 (12-8 OT W) and 7 (12-7 W) and defeats at the University of Michigan on February 20 (10-9 L) and February 21 (14-10 L), Saint Francis improved to 3-2 on the year against the Tigers
After the first quarter, both teams only found the back of the next once to keep a 1-1 tie after eight minutes of competition.
Leading 5-4 at halftime, SFU used a 3-1 surge in the third quarter to acquire an 8-5 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
Salem attempted a comeback with four fourth quarter goals, but a pair by the Red Flash kept the Tigers at bay to score a 10-9 win.
Abbie Carter led Saint Francis with three goals, while Haiden Lang and Taylor Halbauer both netted pairs as the trio accounted for seven of their team’s 10 tallies. Addison Williams and Jenna Handali each recorded an assist for SFU.
Goalie Heather Jacobson made eight save to pick up the win from between the pipes.
Taking on the Keydets of VMI in SFU’s weekend finale, Saint Francs acquired an 11-6 halftime lead and never looked back to claim the program’s first defeat of the Virginia Military Institute in women’s water polo.
Halbauer (six goals) and Emese Szucs (five goals) led the way on offense with pairs of strikes from Williams and Handali
Rosalinda Rivera and Haley Sanko shared time in front of the goal. Sanko permitted two goals during her time in cage, while Rivera allowed 10 and stopped 11 to earn the victory.
Information courtesy Saint Francis University Athletics Communications
