PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Water Polo fell just short in their first game at the Bruno Classic against #24 University of the Pacific. It took four quarters and two overtimes for the winner to be decided, with the Tigers ultimately coming out on top.

Emily McKenzie started off the scoring after the 'Cats fell 2-0 in the first minute of the game. Pacific was able to maintain their lead throughout the entire first quarter, going up 5-2.

For the Tigers, Alicia Petkov scored four times in the opening frame, to which the Wildcat defense stifled going forward, as she only tallied one more goal the rest of the game.

In the second quarter, Villanova was able to piece together an incredible offensive spurt, outscoring Pacific 6-3. The offensive outburst included a 5-1 run over the final 5:39, knotting the game at eight at the half.

Freshman Layla Canales scored three goals in the first half, on her way to a team high of five. Emmie Mallory also tallied a hat trick for the Wildcats. Isabel Foley and Sara Withers led Villanova assisting on four goals each.

Eight different Wildcats found the back of the net, including four additional multi-goal scorers.

The game remained back and forth throughout the final two quarters, with both teams netting six goals during the half.

With 16.5 seconds left in the fourth quarter, Ella Mattocks received a pass inside the area in front of the goal that she scored on through by above the Pacific defender, tying the game at 14 apiece.

Both the Tigers and Wildcats traded goals in both overtime periods, VU's both coming from Withers, who ended up with six points during the match.

Pacific was able to capitalize on their second goal of the second overtime with just seconds left, putting the game away.

The reigning MAAC Defensive Player of the Week, Gracin Kerry recorded nine saves, keeping her above an average of 10 saves per game at 10.6. She also took away a season-high four steals.

UP NEXT
The Wildcats will be competing one more time today against Marist at 3:20 P.M. The game can be streamed through ESPN+.

SOCIAL
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