Feb. 15, 2009
The Siena water polo team opened its 2009 season with a pair of losses in the Harvard Invitational this afternoon at Blodgett Pool in Cambridge, Mass. The Saints fell to #8 Michigan in the opener 15-4, before being defeated in the nightcap by the host Crimson 11-4.
Michigan (7-4) scored nine first period goals and raced out to a 13-0 lead at intermission. Siena (0-2) came out strong to open the third period, recording the only two goals of the frame courtesy of Preseason All-MAAC First team selection Lauren Garrigan.
The teams each added two goals in the final frame. Once more Garrigan, who enters her senior season as the Saints' all-time leading scorer, accounted for the Siena scoring as she ended up recorded all four goals in the game. Ten Wolverines tallied goals, led by Alison Mantel's hat trick. Freshman Jennifer Kissel took over in goal in the second half and had a strong collegiate debut, holding the nationally ranked Wolverines to just two second half goals while registering six saves and two steals.
In the final game of the day, Siena again got off to a slow start as Harvard (1-1) opened an early 7-0 lead en route to the 11-4 victory. Devan Kennifer led Harvard with four goals. Garrigan again paced the Saints, scoring two of the four goals while also drawing three ejections. Devan Ragg and Chelsea Reczek accounted for Siena's other goals.
The Saints return to action Saturday for the start of a five-game west coast swing in California. Action begins with the University of Redlands Tournament as the Saints will meet Claremont-Mudd-Scripps and the host Redlands.
