EMMITSBURG, Md. (January 28, 2023) – For the second consecutive season, Mount St. Mary's women's water polo starts a campaign with a 1-0 record. The Mountaineers shot out to an early lead over Saint Francis U, then fended off a late Red Flash rally to win 14-12.
 
Four Mount players recorded hat tricks in a balanced scoring attack. Three of those players – Annefleur ten Bloemendal, Heather Lock and Anna Kegel – are newcomers to the team, along with veteran Ana Luisa Cotta. Sophomore supplied the team's two remaining goals.
 
In her first game in net for the Mount, Pip Piper finished with 13 stoppages. There were 15 steals on defense as well, led by Currie and ten Bloemendal with four each.
 
The first quarter set the tone for the Mount's victory. Trailing 1-0 a couple minutes in, the visitors went on an offensive spree, securing a 6-0 run across four minutes. SFU responded with the final two goals of the period. The sides played even in the second, garnering the Mountaineers an 8-5 advantage.
 
A pair of quick goals at the midway point of the third quarter and steady defense built the lead to 11-6 heading into the fourth. Both offenses were quiet in the early moments of the final frame before the Mount scored around the 5:40 mark. They would go on to score the next two goals, building a 14-6 edge with four minutes left.
 
That's when Saint Francis U staged a ferocious rally to try and steal the win. Using efficient scoring tactics and forcing turnovers, the Red Flash. Within two minutes, the deficit had been halved. But in the final minutes, the Mount did enough to force stops and extend possessions, allowing them to hold on for the win.
 
Mount hosts Mercyhurst this Sunday (Feb. 5) with a 4 p.m. start. The game is the lone home contest of the season.
 
Mount St. Mary's 14, Saint Francis U 12
 
Team                 1    2    3    4
Mount St. Mary's     6    2    3    3
Saint Francis U      3    2    1    6
 
Goals: Cotta 3, ten Bloemendal 3, Lock 3, Kegel 3, Currie 2
 
Saves: Piper 13