WASHINGTON, Pa. — The Grove City College women’s water polo team opened its 21st season of intercollegiate play with a pair of non-conference matches at the Washington & Jefferson College Invitational. The Wolverines opened the day with a 27-12 setback against Division I foe Virginia Military Institute prior to taking a 19-16 loss versus fellow Collegiate Water Polo Association (CWPA) Division III program Wittenberg University in a non-conference clash.
Five Grove City players scored in the Wolverines’ season-opener against VMI. Sophomore Elaine Miller (Worthington, Ohio/Thomas Worthington) paced Grove City with four goals, while senior Elizabeth Andrews (Newberg, Ore./Veritas) and freshman Reese Trauger (Perkasie, Pa./Pennridge) both fired in three goals. Sophomore Sophia Melanson (Wexford, Pa./North Allegheny) and freshman Michelle Danley (Friendswood, Texas/Friendswood) also scored.
Andrews assisted on five goals, while Melanson recorded three assists. Miller assisted two goals and Trauger also had an assist in her collegiate debut.
Defensively, Melanson registered three steals while Andrews and Miller both had a pair of takeaways. In goal, junior Alexa Dunn (Girard, Pa./Girard) recorded eight saves. VMI led 13-7 at halftime and broke open the game with a 9-2 edge in the third quarter.
Andrews and Miller each posted four goals against Wittenberg. Melanson and Trauger both pumped in three goals while Danley and freshman Tia Kannel (York, Pa./Central York) each added a goal.
Kannel and Trauger both had three assists. Andrews and Danley both assisted two goals, while Melanson and Miller each tallied an assist. Miller also had a team-high two steals. Dunn stopped seven shots.
Release courtesy Grove City College Athletics Communications
