North East, Pa. – The Mercyhurst College women’s water polo team split its two-game slate on Saturday, falling to No. 18 Indiana, 11-7, before defeating cross-town rival Gannon, 10-4, at the Mercyhurst Aquatic Center in North East, Pa. The Lakers improve to 6-14 on the season and 5-2 in CWPA play.
In the early game, the Lakers fell behind early as the Hoosiers built a 4-0 lead in the first quarter. Indiana continued to pressure the Lakers, holding 3-2 scoring advantages during the second and third quarters before Mercyhurst broke out in the fourth, outscoring Indiana 3-1. Sophomore
Rachel Griepsma led the offense with five goals while sophomore
Nicole Nelson reeled off the other two scores. Freshman
Hope Rozelle tallied nine saves in the loss.
The later game was a different story as the Lakers manufactured a 6-4 lead heading into halftime. Led by four goals from Griepsma and nine saves from Rozelle, Mercyhurst secured its sixth win of the season by blanking the Golden Knights, 4-0, through the second half. Senior
Chrissy Genian scored a goal and added three assists while junior
Jenna Jefferds and Nelson netted two goals apiece. Freshman
Laura Perez rounded out the offense with a goal.
The Lakers return to action in two weeks with the Western Division Championship in Bloomington, Ind. The two-day event begins on April 18.