Villanova, PA - The No. 19 Wagner women's water polo team improved to 9-0 in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) play this weekend with victories over No. 25 LIU, 20-12, Siena, 23-16, and Mount St. Mary's, 15-12.
Last season the Seahawks went 12-0 in conference regular season play en route to defeating Marist 9-8 in the championship game.
Game 1 Results - #19 Wagner 20, #25 LIU 12
Senior Carlota Alonso led the early charge, scoring four goals in the first period alone as Wagner stormed out to a commanding lead. The Seahawks struck nine times before LIU finally broke through with 2:18 left in the second quarter. That dominant opening stretch put the Sharks on their heels and gave Wagner full control of the game. By halftime, the Seahawks held a 10–4 advantage, using a balanced attack and stifling defense to keep LIU at bay.
LIU showed some fight in the third quarter, but Wagner continued to dictate the pace, stretching the lead to 15–7. In the final frame, both teams traded goals, but Wagner's early cushion proved too much to overcome. The Seahawks closed out the game with a 20–12 win, with the scoring spread across the roster, with five different Seahawks netting two or more goals in a well-rounded offensive performance.
Goals: Alonso (6), Coleman (4), Mentz (3), Ogg (3), Arias (2), Andrist, Koerper
Saves: Saves (13)
Game 2 Results - #19 Wagner 23, Siena 16
The Saints came out firing, jumping to a 5–2 lead with 3:24 left in the opening quarter and setting the tone early. Siena maintained the edge through the first, finishing the quarter up 6–5. Wagner responded in the second, matching Siena goal for goal to send the game into halftime tied at 10–10.
Sophomore Catherine Mentz sparked the Seahawks' second-half surge, scoring the first goal of the third quarter with 7:15 on the clock to give Wagner its first lead since the opening minutes. From there, the Seahawks took over. Sophomore Maylen Sampedro Tarela fueled the offensive outburst, netting three goals in the third quarter alone as Wagner outscored Siena 8–2 to take an 18–12 lead into the final frame. Wagner kept their momentum rolling into the fourth, closing out the game with a 5–4 edge in the final period to secure the 23–16 victory. It was a complete team effort as the Seahawks showcased their firepower, depth, and second-half resilience.
Goals: Alonso (5), Sampedro Tarela (5), Ogg (4), Arias (3), Mentz (3), Pike, Parisi, Parker
Saves: Sena (4)
Game 3 Results - #19 Wagner 15, Mount St. Mary's 12
The first quarter was a low-scoring battle, with both teams feeling each other out defensively. Juniors Magali Ogg and Martina Parisi each scored for the Seahawks in the opening frame, helping Wagner edge ahead 3–1.The Seahawks found their rhythm in the second period, outscoring Mount 5–2 to take an 8–3 lead into halftime.
Their momentum continued into the third, as the Green & White extended their advantage to 12–6, appearing firmly in control. Mount St. Mary's came alive in the final quarter, putting together a late run and outscoring Wagner 6–3 in the final eight minutes. But the Seahawks' early cushion proved just enough, and they closed out the game for a hard-fought 15–12 win.
Goals: Ogg (4), Alonso (3), Parisi (2), Taylor (2), Mentz, Pike, Koerper, Arias
Next Up: The Seahawks are back in action next weekend against Villanova on Saturday, April 12 at 12:00 PM in Steinberg Wellness Center Pool hosted by LIU and on Sunday April 13 against La Salle at 12:00 PM and No. 25 LIU at 5:30 PM at the Spiro Sports Center Pool. Prior to the game against LIU at 5:30, nine seniors will be honored on Senior Night.
