BROOKLYN, N.Y. – The No. 20 Wagner women's water polo team opened Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) play with a hard-fought 16–15 victory over LIU on Wednesday evening at the Steinberg Wellness Center.
Wagner struck early to set the tone offensively, with junior
Maylen Sampedro Tarela and freshman
Lacey Aquaro helping the Seahawks establish momentum in the opening period. LIU answered with several goals of its own, keeping the game close as both teams traded scoring opportunities throughout the first half.
The Seahawks continued to find success offensively in the second quarter behind goals from Aquaro and Sampedro Tarela, as well as contributions from junior Ana Arias Pérez and junior
Catherine Mentz that also added a goal each to keep Wagner in front heading into halftime.
Both teams maintained the offensive pace in the third quarter. However, Wagner was able to outscore the Sharks 4-1; where junior
Alex Hlohovsky Andrist, freshman
Estel Ramon Torrent Mentz and Arias Pérez, each found the back of the net for the Seahawks, holding a slim advantage entering the final frame.
The Sharks tried to make a late push in the fourth quarter, cutting the deficit to a single goal, but Wagner remained composed down the stretch securing the game-winning goal, from senior captain
Magali Ogg, the last two seconds of the final frame. The Green & White ended up taking 16–15 conference-opening victory. With the win, the Seahawks begin MAAC play 1–0 as they continue their push through the conference schedule.
Goals: Mentz (4), Sampedro Tarela (2), Aquaro (2), Ogg (2), Hlohovsky Andrist (2), Arias Pérez (2), Parisi, Ramon Torrent
Up Next: Wagner will continue MAAC play this upcoming weekend with a trip to Villanova Pa., taking on Villanova on Saturday, March 14 at 11:00 a.m. at the Villanova Swim Complex. The Seahawks will remain in Pennsylvania the following day to face La Salle on Sunday, March 15 at 3:00 p.m. in their second MAAC matchup of the weekend.
