LEXINGTON, Va. – The VMI women's water polo team opened Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) play Saturday at home in Clark King Pool, but fell 17-6 to La Salle University and 19-14 to Villanova University.

Katie Lloyd made 10 stops in net against the Explorers, while Ellie Pickford paced the offense with a pair of goals. Sydney Shettleroe had a goal and two assists, and Caragh Osborne, Kiara Anguiano and Makenna Moore each also scored. Genevieve Petrassi was credited with four steals and Maddie Berry had three.

Kali Hyham had four goals for La Salle.

Petrassi found the back of the net four times and added four steals and an assist against Villanova. Shettleroe also had four scores and a helper, and Gia Donatelli scored twice.
Anguiano and Moore each had a goal and two assists and Osborne had a goal and an assist. Maddie Berry assisted on four goals and Courtney Novotny also scored.

Stella Byles had five goals and two assists for the Wildcats.

VMI hosts Wagner and Iona College Sunday at 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., respectively, in MAAC matches.