EMMITSBURG, Md. (January 30, 2022) – Mount St. Mary's women's water polo saw their second season kick off in a big way. Coming off a 0-15 inaugural campaign, the Mount ensured a better year after 32 minutes of play Sunday, defeating VMI 14-11. In the nightcap, they fell to Saint Francis U 19-4 to go 1-1 on opening day.
 
Mount St. Mary's 14, VMI 11
 
Team                   1    2    3    4
Mount St. Mary's       4    3    4    3
VMI                    2    3    3    3
 
Mount St. Mary's Goals: Valentine 5, Currie 4, Viera 2, Fuhs 1, Cotta 1, Sayre 1
 
Newcomers Rebecca Valentine and Robyn Currie set the pace on offense. Valentine capitalized at the center position, converting 71 percent of the time (5-for-7). Currie compiled the most statistics, going 4-for-6 in scoring while adding three assists, a steal and a field block. Graduate transfer Serena Thurman matched Currie's assist total to tie for the team lead.
 
Goalkeeper Samantha Bright got the nod in the opener, saving 17 of 28 shots fired in her direction. Four field blocks, including two from Emily Van Kerchove, helped the defensive cause.
 
Saint Francis U 19, Mount St. Mary's 4
 
Team                  1    2    3    4
Mount St. Mary's      1    1    1    1
VMI                   5    4    4    6
 
Mount St. Mary's Goals: Valentine 2, Davis 1, Van Kerckhove 1
 
The back end of opening day was less friendly to the Mountaineers, scoring one goal in each period. Valentine matched her counterpart at center, with both athletes registering two scores. But the Red Flash took advantage of 11 exclusions, earning five 6v5 opportunities and going 2-for-2 on penalties.
 
Sibley Kuder and Hannah Keyser took turns in the net, and Keyser finishing with six rejections. Ana Luisa Cotta added two of the team's five steals.
Mount St. Mary's looks to add to the win column during next weekend's pair of games at Wittenburg February 5^th.