PRINCETON, N.J. — The Bucknell University women’s water polo team finished the weekend with a 1-3 mark at the 2023 Princeton University Invitational hosted at DeNunzio Pool. The Bison fell by a 9-8 count to Iona University on Friday, February 24, prior to defeating Siena College, 7-3, on Saturday, February 25. On Sunday, February 26, the Bison were unable to overcome either No. 22-ranked Long Island University, 18-5, or Villanova University, 13-7.
After taking a 16-15 victory over Iona last weekend at Mercyhurst University’s Curtis Robinette Memorial Invitational, the Bison were unable to repeat the feat in the Garden State. Boati Motau and Isabelle Monaghan both recorded goals for the Orange & Blue in the first quarter as the teams were tied at two-all following eight minutes of action.
Chloe Smith scored in the second quarter, but the Gaels totaled two goals to grab a 4-3 halftime lead.
The third quarter belonged to Iona as the Gaels scored three goals to Bucknell’s one. Bella Schraa tied the game at four-all before Iona went on a 3-0 run to end the quarter at 7-4.
Bucknell started the fourth quarter by scoring two goals courtesy of Smith and Gwen Kallmeyer. Iona responded in kind with two goals of their own. The Bison battled to the wire totaling two more scores thanks to Schraa and Smith. But Smith’s goal came with 11 seconds remaining in regulation as the Gaels managed to run out the clock and preserve a one-goal win.
Bucknell used sensational defense to keep the Saints in check and keep Siena winless against the Bison.
The first quarter was tight, as neither team could score more than one goal. Motau recorded Bucknell’s scoring output.
The Orange & Blue added two goals in the second quarter to Siena’s one. Siena scored first, but Motau answered nearly immediately. Bella Moynihan scored three minutes later to give Bucknell a 3-2 halftime lead.
In the third quarter, the Bison extended their lead using goals by Kallmeyer and Motau to outscore Siena, 2-1. The Saints scored their goal to cut it to 5-3 before the frame concluded.
However, there would be no rally. Bucknell shut out Siena in the final stanza with goals by Schraa and Monaghan providing insurance in the waning minutes.
Against Long Island, Bucknell scored first via a Moynihan strike, but LIU responded with a 4-0 run. Smith stopped the streak with a goal, but the Sharks bit back with three more goals as the opening quarter concluded.
In the second quarter, LIU ran the lead to 11-2 before Schraa countered with a goal. It was a small consolation as LIU tallied twice more to snag a 13-3 halftime lead.
LIU scored twice in the third quarter before Kallmeyer placed a ball into the cage for the Bison. Her goal rallied the forces, and LIU only scored once more before time ran out in the third quarter.
The final eight minutes were uneventful as LIU scored twice, and Olivia Day recorded a goal for Bucknell. LIU notched the final tally to to cement an 18-5 victory.
Facing Villanova in the weekend finale, the Bison struck twice for a 2-0 lead. Monaghan deposited both goals for the Bison. Unfortunately, the Wildcats punched back with two markers to balance the scoreboard.
Bucknell regained the lead in the second quarter on a Moynihan goal. However, Villanova responded with two goals to seize a 4-3 halftime lead.
The third quarter featured offensive fireworks as both teams tallied their highest outputs. Villanova scored three goals before Anna Plante provided an answer. Villanova replied with a goal, and Matou placed one in the net to keep the Bison in the contest. The Wildcats scored twice, and Motau put away another goal in as the quarter ended with Villanova in front by a 10-6 count .
The final quarter cooled down as Villanova scored three times, and the Bison could not mount a rally settling for one Monaghan goal. Neither team managed to dent the twine over the final 3:37 as the Wildcats claimed a 13-7 victory.
Release courtesy Bucknell University Athletics Communications
