WASHINGTON, Pa. — The Washington & Jefferson College women’s water polo team dropped games to Wittenberg University, 15-12, and Grove City College, 19-10, at the Henry Natatorium to conclude the 2020 W&J Invitational.
Against Wittenberg, the visiting Tigers led 4-2 after the first quarter before building an 8-2 edge midway through the second. Freshmen Megan DePrez (Claremont, Calif./Claremont) and Ryley McClellan (Wexford, Pa./North Allegheny) combined to record the next four goals to close the deficit to 9-6 at halftime. DePrez tacked on two more goals to start the third quarter, as the Presidents trailed by just one. The teams would exchange scores, as the Presidents would get within one goal on two more occasions (10-9, 12-11). However, the Tigers pulled away with three of the final four goals.
DePrez finished with a game-high seven goals in the loss. McClellan put together a strong offensive effort as well, as the freshman finished with four scores.
Chloe Magyari (Columbus, Ohio/Upper Arlington) added a goal. Goalie Cecelia Weiss (Mohnton, Pa./Governor Mifflin) recorded several saves in net to keep the Presidents within striking distance.
Taking on Grove City, the Wolverines broke up a close game with a strong second half to defeat W&J. The Presidents gained an early 3-2 lead after three first quarter goals by McClellan. DePrez and McClellan scored two goals each in the second quarter but the Wolverines pulled ahead 8-7 at halftime. A goal by DePrez with 2:28 left in the third quarter cut the Grove City lead to 12-10. However, the visitors scored the final seven goals of the match to earn victory.
The freshmen pairing of DePrez and McClellan were strong again offensively. Both first-year players scored five goals each against the Wolverines.
Overall, McClellan and DePrez tallied 14 goals apiece during the opening weekend of play for Washington & Jefferson. The freshmen tandem combined to record 28 of 38 goals for the Presidents during the four-game stretch.
Release courtesy Washington & Jefferson College Athletics Communications
