PRINCETON, N.J. — The No. 15-ranked Princeton University women’s water polo team knocked off Santa Clara University, 21-7, and No. 22 Marist College, 14-9, on day two of the 2026 Princeton Invitational.
Against Santa Clara, the Broncos registered the first goal of the game before Princeton ripped off five straight tallies to take command.
Head coach Derek Ellingson‘s squad added three more goals to go up 8-2 with 3:41 left in the first half before settling for a 9-3 lead at halftime.
The Tigers finished up the third stanza with three goals to go in front by nine, 15-6, before cruising to a 21-7 victory.
Didi Evans notched four goals and a single game program record eight assists to pace the offense. The mark stood for nearly 20 years as it was set by Carolina Ardilla in March of 2006 before being matched by Helen Meigs in April of 2009 and Evans who tied the record on January 21.
Ava Houlahan also posted four goals, while Shanna Davidson, Charlotte Riches and Abby Folk each snagged hat tricks in the win.
Olivia Krotts chipped in a pair of goals with Vivian Golub and Margaret Brandin netting solo markers.
Goalkeepers Lindsey Lucas (four) and Sophie Bollyky Purcell (one) combined for five saves.
Taking on the nationally-ranked Red Foxes, Marist started quickly with four of the first five tallies and eventually led 5-2 after eight minutes.
Before the second quarter was even half over, Princeton countered and tied the game at five-all. The Tigers’ run continued as they led 7-5 before holding a 7-6 advantage at the break.
Ellingson’s crew scored the first two tallies of the second half to go up three, 9-6, and eventually led 11-8 as the fourth frame started.
Princeton put the game away with a 3-0 run in the fourth quarter. Davidson and Evans led the Tigers with four goals each in the win. Krotts added a pair with Golub, Riches, Houlahan and Ally Lurie each denting the twine once.
Information courtesy Princeton University Athletics Communications
