GROVE CITY, Pa. — The Grove City College women’s water polo team hosted three non-conference matches at the James E. Longnecker Pool as the Wolverines concluded their two-day home invitational. Grove City opened the day with a 17-15 overtime setback against fellow Collegiate Water Polo Association (CWPA)/Division III institution Wittenberg University before dropping a 23-11 verdict to Division I-member the Virginia Military Institute.
In the day’s finale, the Wolverines fell to longtime rival/Division II program Mercyhurst University, 20-12.
Freshman Reese Trauger (Perkasie, Pa./Pennridge) paced the Wolverines with a career-high six goals against Wittenberg. Sophomore Elaine Miller (Worthington, Ohio/Thomas Worthington) fired in five goals, while four teammates joined Miller and Trauger in the scoring column.
Senior Elizabeth Andrews (Newberg, Ore./Veritas) scored twice, while freshman Michelle Danley (Friendswood, Texas/Friendswood), freshman Tia Kannel (York, Pa./Central York) and junior Tessa Leatherwood (Hurst, Texas/Colleyville Christian) also found the back of the cage.
Sophomore Sophia Melanson (Wexford, Pa./North Allegheny) recorded three assists for Grove City. Kannel, Leatherwood and Trauger all had two assists each. Danley also recorded an assist.
Andrews, Leatherwood and Trauger led the defensive effort with three steals apiece. Miller added two steals. In goal, junior Alexa Dunn (Girard, Pa./Girard) recorded nine saves for Grove City.
Andrews scored five times against V.M.I. while Danley scored three times. Miller scored twice and Leatherwood also tallied a goal. Andrews also notched three assists while Danley, Leatherwood and Trauger had an assist.
Leatherwood paced Grove City’s defense with four steals. Dunn stopped 10 shots in goal.
Six Grove City players scored in the finale against Mercyhurst. Andrews led the way with three goals while Danley, Miller and Trauger all scored twice. Kannel and Leatherwood also added goals.
Danley, Leatherwood and Melanson all chalked up two assists, while Kannel and Miller also had assists. Dunn stopped four shots.
Release courtesy Grove City College Athletics Communications
