STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. – The VMI women's water polo team continues to improve as it had its best Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference afternoon of the season. The Keydets held a halftime lead over St. Francis (N.Y.) College, but fell 11-7. The Keydets fell in the nightcap 12-7 against Villanova University.

Both games, which were contest at Wagner College, were some of the closest MAAC games the young VMI program has been a part of, while tying the program's record for most goal in a MAAC game (seven three times). The Keydets allowed only 11 goals against the Terriers, resetting the team's mark for fewest MAAC goals allowed.

The VMI offense got off to a hot start against St. Francis (N.Y.), ripping off four goals in the first quarter. The Keydets added a pair in the second quarter to take a 6-4 lead into the halftime break. But the Terriers answered back with five goals in the third quarter while VMI tallied just one. St. Francis blanked the Keydets in the fourth quarter and posted another two to seal the win.

VMI (1-18, 0-6 MAAC) was led by Mackenzie Perkins in the first game of the day, behind her four goals. Fellow freshman Molly Andoe added two goals while Elise Reed accounted for the seventh, which came in a six-on-five power play.

In the nightcap, VMI won the first quarter 4-3, but the Wildcats of Villanova shutout the Keydets in the second quarter, allowing Villanova to take a 7-4 lead into halftime. The two squads tied 2-2 in the third quarter, but Villanova put away three goals and allowed only one in fourth to grab the 12-7 victory.

Molly Andoe led the way for the Keydets in game number two, putting up four of VMI's seven goals. Heather Magill added a pair while Perkins put away one.

In the first game, senior goalkeeper Amanda Berrios posted six saves in the first game and another five in the second contest. She was a big contributor to the counter attack for the Keydets as well.

Transitional defense was a key part of VMI's game plan for both games, which were played just two hours apart. Magill and Perkins were the key anchors in the transition game, playing two-meter to two-meter defense for a majority of the games.

In addition to her goals, Perkins came up with 10 steals on the day while Katheryne Austin played outstanding lane defense.

The Keydets head to Loudonville, N.Y. next weekend to take on another pair of MAAC opponents. VMI opens Saturday's action with host Siena College at 10 a.m. and follow that game with a 2:30 p.m. tilt against Marist College.