SPRINGFIELD, Ohio — The Augustana College Vikings women’s water polo team defeated the Macalester College Scots, 17-4, on Saturday, March 26, prior to turning back the host Wittenberg University Tigers, 15-11, and suffering a 12-7 setback against the defending Collegiate Water Polo Association (CWPA) Division III Champion/Division III No. 5 Kangaroos of Austin College during the opening weekend of CWPA Division III-West Region competition.
On Saturday, March 26, the Vikings doubled up the Macalester Scots in the opening quarter of the first game to grab a 2-1 lead. The margin expanded to seven scores thanks to a 6-1 second quarter advantage.
Augustana continued to add onto its lead throughout the third and fourth quarters, allowing just one goal to the Scots in the final two frames combined. The Vikings saw a balanced attack on offense as three different members tallied at least three goals, led by seven from Alyssa Fricker. The freshman also tallied three assists and had a game-high 11 steals. Olivia Hillhouse notched four goals on five shots, while teammate Ocean Akau posted a trio.
On Sunday, March 27, the Vikings and defending league champion ‘Roos squared off in a battle of the top two ranked teams in the CWPA Division III poll.
Austin started the game with a 4-2 lead after eight minutes of play and a 3-1 second quarter advantage allowed them to double their margin from two to four by halftime. Augie had their best offensive quarter of the game in the third frame by notching three scores to Austin’s four as the ‘Roos carried an 11-6 lead into the final eight minutes of regulation. Each team pushed one into the net in the fourth quarter.
Hillhouse and Lauren Dickinson each secured two goals to lead the Vikings. Lizzie Pelzman had 12 saves in net.
In the weekend finale for Augustana, the Vikings knocked off the Wittenberg to close out a 2-1 weekend.
The teams combined for nine goals scored in the first quarter, including six by Augustana. After the Tigers posted a 2-1 lead in the opening 1:20, the Vikings answered with the next three and five of the final six scored to a acquire a 6-3 lead heading into the second quarter. The three-score advantage turned to five heading into halftime after a 4-2 second quarter win for the Vikings.
Augie continued to stretch its lead, posting another positive frame in the third quarter to pull ahead 14-7 through 24 minutes of competition. The Tigers put together a late run in the fourth, but it was not enough as the Vikings held on for the victory.
Fricker led the way with five goals, while Hillhouse had four.
Release courtesy Augustana College Athletics Communications
