LEXINGTON, Va. - Hosting its annual MAAC Weekend, the VMI water polo team earned two league wins over La Salle and St. Francis (Brooklyn) Saturday at Clark King Pool in Lexington.
The Keydets (17-4, 6-1) topped the Explorers of La Salle by a 21-4 score in the first match of the day and defeated the Terriers of St. Francis by an 18-5 tally in the finale.
"I was really pleased with our defensive effort today," said VMI head coach Ryan Pryor. "We were able to be one-sided on offense which is something talk a lot about - not letting the ball swing. Our effort on the counter attack was also outstanding."
The Keydets made quick work of the Explorers by jumping out to a 6-0 lead in the first quarter and ballooning the advantage to 13-1 by the end of the half. La Salle showed some life in the second half by scoring three goals, but VMI countered with eight second-half goals to ensure the win.
Cecilya Lundy scored five goals to lead the Keydets in the effort, marking the fourth time of her career she has scored five goals in a single game. Shelby Barkley and Haley Scott both scored three goals while Emma Noble, Bailey Huddleston, Natalie Rivas, Rebecca Serrano and Sarah Dolitsky all scored a pair. Rivas also contributed with a team-high three assists to guide the Keydet attack.
Goalie Isabel French played the first quarter and earned the win with three saves before being replaced by junior Catie Berry in the second quarter and the remainder of the match. Berry earned a save in 24 minutes of play.
VMI 18, St. Francis 5
After seniors Bailey Huddleston, Cecilya Lundy and undergraduate assistant coach Joyce Zabala were recognized for playing in their final matches at Clark King Pool, the Keydets again raced out to a large lead early on to defeat their second opponent of the day.
VMI led 3-1 after the first quarter and 8-3 by the half following a goal from Caroline Wojtas that was shot from the three quarters length of the pool.
Cecilya Lundy shot a career-high six goals during the match to mark the fifth time of her career scoring at least five goals in a match. Shelby Barkley contributed four goals and Rebecca Serrano added three to lead the way for VMI. Huddleston was the last Keydet with multiple scores as she put in two during the match.
French again earned a win in three quarters' play as she claimed seven saves to go a steal. Berry played the final quarter and earned five saves while allowing two goals.
The Keydets are back in action Sunday with a 10:30 am. match agiainst No. 17 Wagner and a 5:30 p.m. matchup with Iona College.
