ERIE, Pa — The Washington & Jefferson College women’s water polo team split the program’s first two matches at the 2026 Curtis Robinette Memorial Invitational hosted by Mercyhurst University. The Presidents opened the day by beating the Penn State Behrend Lions, 20-12, before dropping a close battle with the La Salle University Explorers, 21-15.
Taking on fellow Collegiate Water Polo Association (CWPA) Division III institution Penn State Behrend in a non-conference contest, the freshmen led the way for the Presidents. Mackenzie Caron (Reading, Pa./Governor Mifflin) posted seven goals and an assist to go along with four sprint victories. Chloe Majorprice (Manchester, Mich./Skyline) scored five goals, while Emmie Ratcliff (Friendswood, Texas/Friendswood) and Hallie Ratcliff (Friendswood, Texas/Friendswood) combined for seven goals. Sophomore Autumn Woollcott (Grand Blanc, Mich./Grand Blanc) rounded out the scoring for the Red & Black.
The teams went back and forth in the opening eight minutes as W&J took a narrow 5-4 lead into the second frame. W&J broke the game open in the second quarter by outscoring the Lions 7-2 before the halftime break. Penn State Behrend tried to make a run in the third quarer, holding the Presidents to only three goals, but W&J responded with a run of their own. Strong defense from the Red & Black held the Lions to only one goal in the final eight minutes to secure a 20-12 victory.
Freshman Lani Weaver (Conroe, Texas/Conroe) made six saves in goal for the Presidents.
Facing the Division I La Salle Explorers, Emmie Ratcliff led the way for the Presidents with five goals and an assist. Hallie Ratcliff and Caron each had a hat trick with three goals and two assists. Majorprice had two tallies for the Presidents with Guiterrez depositing a solo strike.
The Explorers took a two-goal lead out of the opening eight minutes, but the Presidents were able to find the back of the net five times. W&J kept pace with La Salle in the second period and netted four more goals.
The Explorers came into the second half of play up 11-8 and were able to extend their advantage. The difference in the contest came in the third quarter as the Explorers won the eight minutes 6-2 to take a 17-10 lead. W&J continued to fight till the end with a 5-4 scoring advantage in the closing eight minutes.
Weaver made 11 saves in net for Washington & Jefferson.
Information courtesy Washington & Jefferson College Athletics Communications
