April 1, 2007

Box Score

Loudonville, N.Y. - Mercyhurst received three goals from junior driver Christine Somera and went on to top Siena 8-4 in women's water polo action this morning at the third annual Siena Invitational. Two of the Saints four scores came from junior center Caitlin Smith (Miami Springs, Fla./Miami Springs). Siena (10-5) will return to action this afternoon in the consolation game that begins at 2:15 p.m.

The Lakers posted consecutive goals early in the first quarter jumping out to a 2-0 advantage. Siena managed to battle their way back into the game when Smith notched their first goal with 2:57 remaining in the first quarter. Two minutes later, Erin Clune (Bainbridge Island, Wash./Bainbridge) contributed to the cause posting a goal to bring the score to 3-2 by quarter end.

Both teams' defenses stood tall in the second period holding each other scoreless over the eight minutes. Mercyhurst maintained their one goal advantage going into the half.

Mercyhurst rallied for the first three goals of the second half to extend their lead to 6-2 by the 7:44 mark in the fourth quarter. The Saints made an attempt to battle their way back into the contest when Lauren Garrigan (Kailua, Hawaii/Kamehameha) and Smith recorded back-to-back goals just minutes later. However, this would be the closest Siena would get as the Lakers put in two more goals to secure the 8-4 victory.

With the loss, the Saints fall to 1-2 in the Siena Invitational, while Mercyhurst (3-0) remains undefeated. Mercyhurst will compete for the Invite championship at 1 p.m. versus the winner of the Iona and St. Francis game.