VILLANOVA, Pa. – Women's Water Polo opened their weekend against No. 22 Marist, as they play host to all eight other teams in the MAAC this weekend. The 'Cats came away with their second ranked victory of the season, defeating the Red Foxes by a score of 16-13.
Marist suffered their third consecutive loss and second in three games to an unranked opponent.
This is Villanova's first win against the Red Foxes since April 10, 2016, in a 7-5 victory and their first at home since defeating the team from Poughkeepsie 14-4 on April 8, 2003.
Layla Canales led the charge for Villanova with five goals, including two coming on penalty attempts. She also dished out three assists, tying her for the third most points in program history with eight.
The Wildcats jumped out to a 5-3 lead after one, thanks to goals from Sara Withers, two from Canales, Emily McKenzie, and Lauren Short. Short tallied her goal on a put-back off the crossbar that sent Villanova Swim Complex into a frenzy, entirely changing the momentum of the game.
Marist was able to tie things up within the first two minutes of the second stanza until the two teams traded goals three separate times over the final three minutes to go into the break with VU up 9-8. McKenzie's second goal of the game was on an incredible backhanded shot that left the Red Foxes' goalkeeper still.
Villanova was able to score a barrage of goals in the third, extending their lead to 14-10, while holding the Red Foxes to just two. Ella Mattocks scored two of her three goals in the quarter, including one right after a Michael Gordon timeout to close out the frame.
In the fourth, Marist attempted a comeback, holding Villanova to two goals by Anna Painter and Canales' fifth of the contest. However, they were held to only three tallies, thwarting the attempt and giving the Wildcats their first ranked win at home since April 18, 2021, against their next opponents, the Iona Gaels.
Riley Hull recorded four points on the day, with a penalty goal and three assists. She also added two field blocks.
Gracin Kerry made 11 saves in the net and also sent an assist all the way down the pool to Canales in the third.
FAST FACTS
This is Villanova's first season with multiple ranked wins in recorded history.
Michael Gordon is 16-1 at home in his career, with his only loss coming to La Salle last season. He is currently tied for second all-time in home wins with his predecessor Larry Sanders.
UP NEXT
Villanova will face off against RV Iona tonight, Saturday, April 5, while also celebrating senior night. They will honor seniors Amelia Baca, Emma Grabenstetter, Adrienne Grimes, and Emily McKenzie for their contributions and time with the program.
STREAMING
The final two of Villanova's games this weekend will be able to be streamed through Flo Swimming. Specific links for each matchup are located in the team schedule.
SOCIAL
For all the latest updates surrounding the program, follow Villanova Water Polo on Instagram @novawaterpolo and X (formerly Twitter) @nova_waterpolo.
