PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – The Mercyhurst University women's water polo team opened its 2015 season on Saturday with a split on day one at the Villanova Invitational. The Lakers bowed 16-11 to the host team before posting a 16-8 decision over Siena in the nightcap.

In the opener, the Wildcats broke a 4-4 tie after a quarter by outscoring the Lakers 6-2 in the second and were never in danger from that point. Mercyhurst trailed 14-8 after three periods before settling for the five-goal deficit final.

Freshman Kennedy Watson led Mercyhurst with three goals and a pair of helpers. Sophomores Vicky Arciniega and Becky Insalaco added two goals apiece while sophomore Jena Clinch, freshman Nicki Borella, and juniors Annie Blackman, and Meagan Marques had solo scores. Marques joined Watson with a pair of assists.
 
Sophomore goaltender Rachel Stock made five saves in taking the loss.
 
Mercyhurst rebounded in the second game. The Lakers led 4-3 after a quarter and 7-4 at halftime before opening a 12-6 advantage after three periods.

Watson and Insalaco led the way with six points apiece. Watson totaled five goals and a helper while Insalaco had three of each. Blackman contributed five points (3g, 2a)  Arciniega had two goals while Marques, Borella, and junior Aleeyse Utech tacked on one goal each. Stock finished with twelve saves to get her first win of the season.
 
Mercyhurst will play Iona Sunday at 10:30 a.m. and St. Francis College of Brooklyn at 3:30 p.m. to conclude weekend competition.