LOUDONVILLE, N.Y. -- The second weekend of Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference action is underway for the Virginia Military Institute women's water polo team. The Keydets fell in a pair of games on Saturday, hosted by Siena College at the Siena Swim Center.
VMI was narrowly edged 9-7 against Villanova University in the first game of the day, and dropped a 19-10 decision to Wagner College, which has finished as the league's runner up in each of the last three seasons.
In the first game of the day, VMI (10-15) got a pair of goals from Celine Lazzaro and Caitlyn Jackson. Cecilya Lundy, Bailey Huddleston and Sierra Payne each potted one goal against the Wildcats. Sophomore goalkeeper Emily Cait Farsakian made seven saves against Villanova.
The Wildcats jumped out to a 7-2 lead, but the Keydets rallied, out-scoring Villanova 5-2 over the final 10 minutes of action, including three in the fourth quarter from the hands of Huddleston, Lundy and Jackson. But the Wildcats staved off the rally to take the victory.
Against Wagner, VMI got its highest goal total ever against the Seahawks, aided by a hat trick from junior Mackenzie Perkins. Huddleston added a pair, as did Lundy and Justina Dunne. Lazzaro added a goal to the Keydet cause. Farsakian added another nine saves to her day against the Seahawks.
VMI returns to action on Sunday when they take on the hosts at 9 a.m., followed by a 2:30 p.m. match with St. Francis Brooklyn. Both games will take place at the Siena Swim Center. Earlier this season, VMI defeated both teams 16-8 and 13-10, respectively.
