LEXINGTON, Va. – The VMI Water Polo team opened up Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference play at home against Mount St. Mary's on Friday night at the VMI Aquatic Center, going fighting shorthanded but falling 20-11.

VMI (5-8, 0-1) was never outscored by more than three in a period, but the depth of The Mount (11-7, 1-0) would win out in the second half, outscoring VMI 12-6 in the final two frames.

Key Stats
- Sydney Smith accounts for six of VMI's scores on the night
- Courtney Novotny scores two while Caragh Osborne, Sadie Smith and Megan Riding each have one
- Maddie Day (goalkeeper) forced into action as Keydets run out of subs in the third
- Ysabel Casillas collects 12 saves in the effort

How it Happened
Novotny would open the scoring in the first quarter and after Mount St. Mary's scored a pair, Sadie Smith made the score 2-2. The Mount totaled four of the next six goals to take a 6-4 advantage, pushing the lead to 8-4 before a Sydney Smith goal made the deficit three at the break.

Osborne and Sydney opened the third with goals, but three unanswered from The Mount switched the momentum with Sarah Fitzsimmons leaving the contest due to injury. From here, VMI would continue to press, but could not close the gap.

What's Next
The Keydets will continue the VMI-MAAC Showcase on Saturday night, before Senior Day Sunday.
                             
Remaining VMI Invite Schedule
Saturday, March 16       
6:30 PM               VMI vs. No. 25 Marist -  ESPN+ - Stats    

Sunday, March 17          
11:00 AM            VMI vs. No. 22 LIU - ESPN+ - Stats
2:00 PM               VMI vs. La Salle - ESPN+ - Stats