ROCK ISLAND, Ill. — The Division III No. 5-ranked Augustana College Vikings women’s water polo team fell to the McKendree University Bearcats, 14-11.
Braelyn Hill struck first, but McKendree followed with three of their own to overtake the game, 3-1. Waiahuli Akau tallied the final shot of the period to make a 3-2 game after the opening eight minutes of play. Jersey Merrick found the back of the net after a scoreless three minutes in the second quarter. The Bearcats put up another, but Akau drew the score even, and Hill regained the lead for the Vikings with a score of 5-4. McKendree tied the game once more with 1:16 on the clock to create a five-all entering the halftime break.
Returning to play, Hailey Sherman grabbed a goal, but the visitors followed with three straight points to lead 8-7. With 18 seconds on the clock, Merrick found the back of the net to create a tie score with eight minutes left in regulation. In the fourth quarter, Sherman secured another shot, and McKendree followed. 30 seconds later, Alayan Ickert drew the score event before Sherman put Augie ahead with 2:49 left in the period. The Bearcats forced extra minutes after a successful shot at 1:23 to create a 10-10 game.
In overtime action, Abigail Gatlin found the back of the net first, but McKendree secured four goals to seal a 14-11 victory.
With the loss, Augie moves to 6-2 on the season.
Release courtesy Augustana College Athletics Communications
