EMMITSBURG, Md. (March 25, 2023) – After building a 2-0 lead, the Mount St. Mary's women's water polo team saw Iona storm back with five of the next six goals to pull away in an 11-8 decision Saturday at Siena.
 
Splitting the season series with the Gaels, the Mount now stands at 9-7 (1-3 MAAC) for the year.
 
Ana Luisa Cotta earned her fourth hat trick of the season, leading the team with three goals. Anna Kegel added two scores for her seventh multi-goal effort. Robyn Currie had the highest number of assist with three, adding three drawn exclusions and four field blocks.
 
Goalies Pip Piper and Samantha Bright combined for 17 saves, with Piper earning 10 of them.
 
The Mountaineers took advantage of the 6v5, scoring on five of the 11 drawn exclusions. Cotta added a goal via a five-meter penalty. On the other end, Iona capitalized on turnovers with three goals on the counter attack.
 
Cotta and Kegel converted goals and the defense held firm in the first quarter. But once Iona converted their first goal with 6:45 left before half, it was difficult to keep them out. Playing to a 8-7 Gaels lead entering the fourth, Iona posted two shots in the opening minute of the final frame, in effect sealing the win. One final tally from Cotta was all the Mount could muster in the fourth.
 
Mount battles St. Francis Brooklyn and Siena on Sunday (Mar. 26).
 
Iona 11, Mount St. Mary's 8
 
Team                 1    2    3    4
Mount St. Mary's     2    2    3    1
Iona                 0    5    3    3   
 
Goals: Cotta 3, Kegel 2, ten Bloemendal 1, Valentine 1, Sayre 1

Saves: Piper 10, Bright 7