LEWISBURG, Pa. — The Mount St. Mary’s University women’s water polo saw their second season kick off in a big way. Coming off a 0-15 inaugural campaign, the Mount ensured a better year after 32 minutes of play by defeating the Virginia Military Institute, 14-11, at the Bucknell University Invitational. In the nightcap, the Mountaineers fell to Saint Francis University, 19-4.
Newcomers Rebecca Valentine and Robyn Currie set the pace on offense against VMI. Valentine capitalized at the center position, converting 71 percent of the time (five-for-seven), while Currie shot four-for-six with three assists, a steal and a field block. Graduate transfer Serena Thurman – who joined the Mountaineers from Wagner College – matched Currie’s assist total to tie for the team lead.
Goalkeeper Samantha Bright got the nod in the opener, saving 17 of 28 shots fired in her direction. Four field blocks, including a pair by Emily Van Kerchove, helped the defensive cause.
The back end of opening day was less friendly to the Mountaineers as the team scored one goal in each quarter to come up short versus Saint Francis. Valentine netted a pair of goals, but the Red Flash took advantage of 11 exclusions, earning five six-on-five opportunities to go along with a two-for-two effort on penalty shots.
Sibley Kuder and Hannah Keyser took turns in the net for the Mountaineers. Keyser finished with six saves, while Ana Luisa Cotta added two of her team’s five steals.
Release courtesy Mount St. Mary’s University Athletics Communications
