April 7, 2007
Box Score
LOUDONVILLE, N.Y. - The Siena women's water polo team fell to Iona 11-8 this afternoon in Villanova, Pa. The Gaels posted three unanswered fourth quarter goals to get past the Saints in their first league contest of the season. Junior center Caitlin Smith (Miami Springs, Fla./Miami Springs) managed a team-high three goals in Siena's (11-6, 0-1) losing effort.
"I thought the team played well," said interim head coach Ellen Howe. "We just didn't capitalize on our opportunities down the stretch."
Smith put the Saints on the board with back-to-back goals to bring Siena within one goal (3-2) early in the second quarter. Then with 4:01 on the clock, Lauren Garrigan (Kailua, Hawaii/Kamehameha) evened the game at 4-4 when she blasted a shot into the back of the goal. Minutes later, Smith gave Siena their first lead of the contest when she posted her third goal to put the Saints up 5-4.
Iona battled back eventually tying the game at 6-6 at the 7:38 mark in the third period. However, the relentless Siena offensive attack took back the lead just 21 seconds later thanks to a goal from freshman utility Gina Guevara (Weston, Fla./St. Thomas Aquinas). Guevara finished with two goals on the afternoon.
The two teams were locked at 8-8 as they entered the final quarter, however, the Gaels ran away with the contest as they posted three unanswered fourth quarter goals to secure the victory. Junior goaltender Kaedy Graves (Lake Worth, Fla./Lake Worth Community) posted 14 saves, but earned the loss.
Siena returns to action later this evening when they take on Villanova. Game time is set for 5:30 p.m.
