LEXINGTON, Va. – After four games out in California, the VMI Water Polo team returns to the east coast for three conference matches this weekend, facing Wagner and Villanova on Saturday before closing out spring break on Sunday with a tilt against Long Island.

The matches will take place on the campus of Wagner in Staten Island, New York.

Where they Stand
VMI is 3-6 on the year, picking up a 23-7 win at UC Merced before three close battles against Cal State East Bay, Fresno Pacific and Westcliff.  

Stats so Far
Courtney Novotny paces VMI with 28 goals, while Sadie Smith has 26. The duo ranks seventh and eighth in the league in total points with 39 and37 on the season. Katie Lloyd continues to be the go-to goalkeeper, totaling 55 saves including a season-high 10 against Cal State East Bay.  

The Opponents
- Wagner, who were a perfect 16-0 in MAAC action last year, is off to a blistering start to 2023, posting a record of 17-4, having won five of its last six contests. The 17 wins is the most by a MAAC team to this point of the season, with no other team having more than 10. Abby Simhauser and Carlota Alonso currently lead MAAC players with 53 and 46 goals on the season.

- Villanova enters the weekend an even 10-10, but has lost two of its last three contests. Emily Stella Byles and Emily McKenzie pace the offense with 36 and 33 goals apiece, respectively. In net, Abigail Shelby leads MAAC performers in saves (79) and save percentage (.405).

- Like Villanova, LIU sports a .500 record entering the weekend, sitting at 9-9 thus far. In 2022, LIU finished second in the league with a MAAC record of 12-2 and was 25-7 overall. Paola Dominguez ranks sixth among league players in goals, with 34.

Weekend Schedule (All times Eastern)
March 18 (Sat) – at Wagner – 12:00 p.m.
March 18 (Sat) – vs. Villanova – 3:00 p.m.
March 19 (Sun) – vs. Long Island – 12:00 p.m.