CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – Water Polo came out on top in their final game at the Crimson Classic hosted by Harvard University, defeating #21 Brown by a score of 11-8.
This was Villanova's first ranked win since defeating #23 Iona 20-8 on April 18, 2021, at the Villanova Swim Complex. It is also the first win over a ranked opponent during the
Michael Gordon era.
Riley Hull starred for the Wildcats, the freshman scored four times, dished out an assist, and drew a season-high six exclusions.
Lauren Short and
Anna Painter also added multiple goals in the victory.
The Wildcats were able to start quickly, rattling off three goals to start their quest at avenging their defeat by the Bears just a week prior.
Another three were added in the second frame, extending their lead as the Wildcats were ahead 6-3 at the break.
Coming back into the pool, Brown scored four goals, their highest of any quarter on the day. Reminiscent of the last matchup between these two, the Bears were able to make the game close at the end of the third period.
The Wildcat defense was able to shut the Brown offense down in the fourth stanza. They only allowed one goal during the quarter while scoring two of their own.
Two-time reigning MAAC Defensive Player of the Week,
Gracin Kerry, thwarted 15 shot attempts for the third time this season. Two of those saves coming a man down, and another occurring on a penalty shot.
UP NEXT
The Wildcats will return home this weekend, as they face off against Siena College on Saturday, February 15, at 1:00 P.M. Saturday will be Villanova's Every Mind Matters game.
EVERY MIND MATTERS
Every Mind Matters is a group within UNITAS, the diversity, equity, and inclusion initiative that strives to maintain a welcoming community at VU.
Every Mind Matters works to increase mental health awareness and advocacy within the Athletic Department. We are a group of passionate student-athletes working alongside faculty and staff to create new initiatives and resources for the athletics community to better understand and support their mental health.
SOCIAL
For all the latest updates surrounding the program, follow Villanova Water Polo on Instagram @novawaterpolo and X (formerly Twitter) @nova_waterpolo.
