April 11, 2009
The Siena water polo team split a pair of thrilling one goal decisions this afternoon in MAAC games hosted by Villanova. The Saints edged the host Wildcats 9-8, but dropped a 17-16 heartbreaker to Iona in double overtime as the squad now stands 9-14 overall and 2-4 in the MAAC.
In the opener against the Gaels, the Saints erased an early 7-4 deficit and took a 12-11 lead into the fourth. But Iona fought back to force overtime where Amanda Cody would tally the game-winner to keep Siena winless all-time against their conference foe.
Reigning MAAC Offensive Player of the Week and the conference's leading scorer Lauren Garrigan had another impressive effort, tallying nine points including seven goals. Camille Norman added a hat trick, while Devan Ragg and Gina Guevara also recorded multiple goal performances. Norman notched three assists to finish with six points, while Ragg also had six points thanks to four assists.
Jennifer Kissel played the first quarter and accumulated four saves, while Lynh Nguyen was strong in relief making a career-high 16 saves.
In the nightcap, Siena defeated Villanova for a third time this season. The teams traded goals early on and entering intermission the score was deadlocked at 3-3. But the Saints erupted for four goals in the third to take a 7-4 lead, capped by the go-ahead and eventual game-winning goal from Norman.
Norman recorded a hat trick for a second straight game, while Garrigan also added three tallies. Ragg contributed two more goals and three assists for a game-high five points.
Kissel played throughout in goal, registering nine saves, one assist and one steal. Additionally, the defense was boosted by Chelsea Reczek who swiped a career-high six steals.
The Saints return to action to host MAAC games Saturday at Siena Swim Center at 11:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. against Saint Francis (N.Y.) and Iona. Prior to the 5:30 game, the team will honor seniors Garrigan, Lauren Biehle and Erin Clune in a special Senior Day ceremony.
