Villanova, Pa. — The No. 23 women's water polo team faced a challenging slate of nationally ranked opponents at the Wildcat Invite, squaring off against No. 8 Harvard and No. 20 California Baptist before closing the weekend with a dominant win over Gannon.
Game 1 Results — No. 23 Wagner 11, No. 8 Harvard 16
Harvard opened the scoring and set the early tempo, jumping out to a 6-1 lead after the first quarter. Wagner worked to settle into the game, generating quality possessions late in the period while continuing to battle defensively against the Crimson attack.
The Seahawks responded in the second quarter, finding more rhythm on offense and cutting into the deficit. Wagner scored twice in the frame, including a goal from junior
Alex Hlohovsky Andrist and freshman
Talia Ramsey, but Harvard continued to capitalize in transition to carry a 9-3 advantage into halftime.
Coming out of the break, Wagner delivered its strongest stretch of the game. The Seahawks traded goals with Harvard in the third quarter, scoring a total of five times behind improved and patient offensive sets. Despite the surge, the Crimson maintained a slim cushion and held a 12-9 lead entering the final period.
Wagner closed the game with determination in the fourth quarter, adding three more goals while continuing to pressure defensively. Harvard matched the Seahawks down the stretch, however, and the early scoring run proved decisive as Wagner fell 16-11.
Goals: Martina Parisi (3), Ramsey (2), Hlohovsky Andrist (2),
Madison Watson,
Catherine Mentz,
Maylen Sampedro Tarela,
Magali Ogg
Game 2 Results — No. 23 Wagner 13, No. 20 CBU 14
California Baptist and Wagner traded early goals in a fast-paced opening quarter, with both teams settling into an offensive rhythm quickly. Cal Baptist was able to string together a late run in the period, gaining a slight edge and taking a 4-2 lead at the end of the first frame.
Wagner answered to begin the second quarter, finding the back of the net to close the gap and keep the contest tight. Each Seahawk surge was met with a response from Cal Baptist, as the teams exchanged goals throughout the period. At halftime, the Lancers held a narrow 7-6 advantage in what remained a tightly contested matchup.
The Seahawks surged in the third quarter, producing the most powerful stretch of the game. Wagner's offense clicked with timely finishes, allowing the Green & White to briefly take control. A late goal in the quarter put Wagner ahead 13-12 with just over three minutes remaining, but Cal Baptist countered before the break, leaving the teams 10-10 entering the fourth.
The final quarter unfolded as a back-and-forth battle, with both teams generating quality looks in the closing minutes. Cal Baptist was able to convert on a key possession late to regain the lead, while Wagner continued to apply pressure down the stretch. Despite a determined defensive stand and multiple chances to equalize, the Seahawks came up just short as Cal Baptist secured a 14-13 decision.
Goals: Catherine Mentz (3),
Magali Ogg (2),
Martina Parisi (2),
Makayla Ulmer-Lutudromu (2),
Maggie Pike,
Lily Carrick,
Maylen Sampedro Tarela,
Alex Hlohovsky Andrist
Game 3 Results — No. 23 Wagner 16, Gannon 3
Wagner wasted no time taking control of the contest, scoring seven goals in the opening quarter while holding Gannon scoreless to jump out to an early 7-0 lead. The Seahawks set the tone on both ends of the pool, pushing the pace offensively and forcing stops defensively to establish immediate separation.
The Green & White continued to build on that momentum in the second quarter, adding three more goals while limiting Gannon to just one. Wagner's balanced attack and disciplined defense allowed the Seahawks to head into halftime with a commanding 10-1 advantage.
Coming out of the break, Wagner stayed in control, scoring three goals in the third quarter and conceding only one as the lead grew to 13-2. The Seahawks remained sharp in transition and patient in the half court, preventing any sustained runs from Gannon.
Wagner closed the match with another strong fourth quarter, matching its third-quarter output with three more goals while allowing the last one. The Seahawks' consistency across all four periods sealed the decisive 16-3 victory, highlighted by depth scoring and a dominant defensive performance.
Goals: Genevieve Bland (2), Emma Friendlander (2),
Magali Ogg (2),
Martina Parisi (2),
Maggie Pike,
Lacey Aquaro,
Lily Carrick,
Maylen Sampedro Tarela,
Makayla Ulmer-Lutudromu,
Alex Hlohovsky Andrist,
Talia Ramsey, Estel Torrent
