Feb. 23, 2009
Lauren Biehle's six-on-five third period goal broke a 5-5 tie and proved to be the game-winner as the Siena water polo team picked up its first win of the year, defeating Whittier 9-6 this evening in California. Lauren Garrigan led the Saints (1-3) with a hat trick.
After getting out to a 2-1 lead after one period of play, Whittier stormed back to even things up at four all entering intermission. After Siena took an early 5-4 third period advantage, Whittier again answered back to tie it once more at five apiece.
Biehle then drew an ejection to give the Saints a six-on-five advantage before scoring the game-winning goal herself. She finished the game with two goals and two ejections drawn.
Garrigan added six steals and an assist to finish with four points. She has now scored 14 goals through just four games this season.
Siena received a balanced effort offensively as six players in all scored goals. Additional goal scorers included Camille Norman, Gina Guevara, Devan Ragg and Chelsea Reczek who each added one apiece. Ragg added two assists, while Molly Chamberlain contributed one helper and a pair of steals as the Saints defeated Whittier for the first time ever.
Lynh Nguyen and Jennifer Kissel split time between the pipes with Nguyen tallying seven saves and Kissel adding six. Kissel also recorded three steals on her way to picking up her first collegiate victory.
The Saints return to the pool tomorrow for the third game of their four game California swing. Siena battles Claremont-Mudd-Scripps in a 7 p.m. Pacific Time (10 p.m. EST) matchup.
