ERIE, Pa. — The Utica University women’s water polo team finished its weekend at Penn State Behrend this weekend by falling to the host Lions, 14-7, and taking a 13-9 setback versus Connecticut College.
In the Pioneers’ opening game of the day, Penn State Behrend came out firing to acquire an early 5-0 lead and hold a 6-2 advantage on the scoreboard after eight minutes of action.
The Lions increased their lead to 12-4 and held a 13-6 advantage midway through the fourth quarter. Utica was unable to rally back in falling by a 14-7 final score.
Kelly Warnycia (Clifton Park, N.Y./Shenendehowa) and Bailey Simmons (Vernon Center, N.Y./Vernon-Verona-Sherrill) both scored twice for Utica. Kira Seaman (Fort Edward, N.Y./Hudson Falls), Paige Levine (Holtsville, N.Y./Sachem East) and Amelia Laible (Oakdale, N.Y./Connetquot) chipped in solo markers, while Levine, Seaman, Sara Kuiken (Valley Falls, N.Y./Tamarac), and Aimee Oswald (Reading, Pa./Exeter Township) dished out single assists.
In net, Kim Serio (Lakeville, N.Y./Livonia) had 15 saves as she posted her third consecutive game with 15 or more stops.
Battling Connecticut, the first quarter was a tough battle with the Camels jumping out to a 3-1 lead. The second quarter saw the teams combine for eight goals as Connecticut pushed ahead 9-4 prior to halftime. Utica outscored Connecticut 4-2 in the fourth quarter, but the Camels held off the charge to preserve a 13-9 win..
Laible led the Pioneers with three goals, while Levine and Waryncia tacked on pairs. Kuiken and Simmons also scored once.
Seaman, Oswald and Serio dished out pairs of assists, while Simmons, Seaman and Serio each nabbed two steals. Laible also recorded one steal.
In net, Serio and Ainsley Vyse (Glastobury, Conn./Hartford Magnet Trinity College Academy) both stopped six shots.
Release courtesy Utica University Athletics Communications
