Feb. 15, 2010

The Siena water polo team picked up its first win of the season, defeating Mercyhurst 7-6 Sunday afternoon in the final game of the Bison Invitational in Lewisburg, Pa. The Saints overcame earlier defeats in the weekend to George Washington, 10-7 and #19 Indiana, 16-5 to move to 1-4 on the season.

In the first game of the invitational, the Colonials (1-2) received hat tricks from Marissa Stamler and Emily Chareson to down the Saints, 10-7. Siena enjoyed an early 3-2 lead through the first quarter, but George Washington converted on 4-of-9 man advantages to outscore the Saints 8-4 the rest of the way.

Camille Norman tallied five points including four goals for the Saints, while Jackie Crosby and Devan Ragg finished with three points apiece.

On Sunday against nationally ranked Indiana (7-4), the Hoosiers scored the first four goals before the Saints mounted a comeback. Siena got as close as 6-5 at halftime, but Indiana responded with 11 unanswered goals in posting the 16-5 victory.

Norman again led the way with two more scores while freshman Rebecca Robinson added her first career tally.

Entering the final game of the day, the Saints improved to 6-1 all-time against Mercyhurst (0-4). Trailing 4-3 in the third quarter, Siena erupted for three straight goals and never looked back in earning its first victory of 2010, 7-6.

Ragg and reigning MAAC Rookie of the Week Monica Chaviano each scored two goals apiece, but it was another freshman, Alexandra McDowell, who scored the game-winning goal which was also the first of her career. McDowell had a strong weekend overall, finishing with six points during the invitational, including four steals.

Siena returns to action Feb. 22 at nationally ranked Hartwick. Game time is 6 p.m. in Oneonta, N.Y.