EMMITSBURG, Md. (February 5, 2026) – Mount St. Mary's women's water polo returns to action on February 6, starting a four-game slate against Saint Francis (PA), Toronto, Salme, and Bucknell at the VMI Invitational. The game against Toronto will be counted as an exhibition. Last weekend at the Princeton Invitational, the Mountaineers went 0-3, losing to Indiana, Princeton, and Brown in succession.
MOUNT UPDATE
Mount St. Mary's showed resilience throughout the tournament, competing hard against experienced programs while gaining valuable early-season experience in the pool.
The Mountaineers opened the invitational against Indiana, falling 16–5. Despite the scoreline, The Mount battled throughout the four quarters and found offensive rhythm as the game progressed. Indiana capitalized on counterattacks and quick ball movement to build an early lead, but Mount St. Mary's continued to press defensively and create scoring chances. The game marked the first collegiate action of the season for several Mountaineers, who used the opportunity to settle into game speed and adjust to high-level competition.
Later that day, Mount St. Mary's returned to the pool to face host Princeton, dropping a 17–7 decision. The Mount offense showed strong balance, with multiple players contributing to the scoring effort.
Lotte Schreurs led the way with two goals, while
Anna Kegel,
Lucia Redaelli, and
Kailee Viers each added a goal.
The Mountaineers displayed improved offensive spacing and ball movement compared to the opener, generating quality looks in six-on-five situations and from the perimeter. Defensively, the team continued to work through early-season adjustments, battling through Princeton's physical center play and outside shooting. The contest highlighted the team's depth and willingness to share the ball, a promising sign as the season progresses.
Mount St. Mary's closed the weekend Sunday against Brown, falling 15–5. The Mount showed determination in the final game of the invitational, with several players stepping up offensively. Schreurs delivered a hat trick to pace the team, while Redaelli and
Kiele Davidson each found the back of the cage.
Brown used quick transitions and strong perimeter shooting to create separation, but Mount St. Mary's continued to compete on both ends of the pool. The Mount defense forced multiple contested shots and worked to limit second-chance opportunities, while the offense created scoring looks through drives and ball movement around the arc.
Although the Mountaineers came away without a win, the Princeton Invitational provided a valuable measuring stick against established programs. The weekend allowed the team to evaluate lineups, build chemistry, and gain experience in high-intensity game situations.
With balanced scoring across the roster and continued growth on both ends of the pool, Mount St. Mary's looks to carry the lessons from opening weekend into the next stretch of the season.
SCOUTING THE OPPONENTS
Saint Francis opens their 2026 women's water polo season at the VMI Invitational this weekend. The Red Flash compiled an overall record of 14-18 during the 2025 season while going 2-10 in the CWPA. Notable wins for Saint Francis last year included victories against Siena, La Salle, Mercyhurst, and Mount St. Mary's.
Salem is 0-1 on the young season, losing 22-10 away at Villanova on January 23. The Tigers compiled a record of 10-19 last year, recording solid wins against UC Merced, Siena, Iona, and McKendree.
Bucknell has started the 2026 season with a 2-1 record, winning games against LIU and Iona at the Princeton Invitational while falling to No. 24 Wagner by a score of 14-8. The Bison outscored their opponents last weekend by a total scoreline of 33-32.
ALL-TIME RECORD
The Mountaineers have a combine record of 1-6 against Bucknell, a record of 4-8 record against Saint Francis, and a 1-2 record against Salem.
