ERIE, PA – Siena Water Polo (3-3) got off to it's best start to a season through six games since 2011 Saturday, posting a doubleheader sweep to begin play at the Mercyhurst Invitational in Erie, PA. The Saints completed a 16-13 comeback win over the host Lakers before routing Gannon, 17-9, later in the afternoon.
The Saints began what would be their third straight win over Mercyhurst with a deficit, trailing, 6-5 after the end of the first quarter and 9-8 at the half. The Green and Gold were able to overcome the hump in the third quarter, embarking on what would end up as a five-goal run into the fourth quarter.
Senior captain Diana Fernandez netted three goals during the surge, while junior Kristen Burger and freshman Danni Croteau contributed as well. Siena would never look back after taking a 12-11 lead with 20 seconds remaining in the third period, posting a 4-3 advantage in the final quarter. Fernandez (5), Croteau (4) and junior Anna Borton (3) each notched a hat trick in the match, while classmate Kristen Burger and sophomore Georgia Vargas added a pair of goals. Freshman goalkeeper Anna Mossakowski played the entirety of the match in-between-the-pipes, making three saves.
The Green and Gold had no trouble getting ahead as they returned to the Cathedral Prep Event Center later in the afternoon to face Gannon for the 14th year in a row. The Saints held a 4-3 lead after the first quarter and a 10-6 advantage at the half, with Vargas recording a hat trick in the first quarter and Croteau and sophomore Bianca Prinsloo each doing so by the intermission.
Four Saints went on to record a trifecta as the team held its opponent to single-digit goals for the first time this season. Fernandez (4G, 2A,) Vargas (4G, 2A), Prinsloo (4G, 2A) and freshman Grace Boeve (2G, 4A) each ended with six points, while Croteau netted three more. Freshman keeper Sydney Jones made a pair of saves during her time in the cage.
Entering Sunday's contests, Fernandez continues to climb up the career field player record ladder, currently ranking third all-time in shots and goals and fourth in points. The Chicago, IL native has moved up in each category since the start of the 2020 season.
Siena will look to record a three-game winning streak for the fourth straight season on Sunday, February 16, when it concludes action at the Mercyhurst Invitational. The Saints will battle Salem University for the first time since 2003 at 9:15 AM before facing first-time opponent McKendree at 1 PM.
