Saint Paul, Minn. – The VMI Water Polo Team finished action in the Macalester Invite on Sunday, battling back-and-forth with McKendree but were ultimately edged out 11-9.

Despite the loss, the Keydets had a successful weekend, going 3-1 in the tournament (1-3 last year). VMI now sits at 6-2 on the season and is still off to the best start during Head Coach Danielle Montenegro's tenure.

Sadie Smith, Sydney Smith and Courtney Novotny led VMI in scoring, each finding the back of the net twice, while Sarah Fitzsimmons, Hollie Sauceda and Makynna Smith would each score once. Maddie Day would collect four saves in net.

What's Next
The Keydets will have a weekend off before traveling to Washington, Pennsylvania and Salem, West Virginia for two games March 1 and two games March 2.

How it Happened
- McKendree would strike first, but Sadie Smith evened the score a minute into the contest
- After the Bearcats jumped in front 3-1, Minnich, Novotny and Sadie Smith gave the Keydets the 4-3 advantage
- McKendree responded with four straight but just when they looked primed to pull away, VMI answered with three straight
- The Bearcats would bookend the third and fourth quarters with scores, getting an insurance goal at the 3:16 mark to close out the contest

Macalester Invite Results (3-1)
February 14 vs. Macalester – W, 14-13
February 15 vs. Augustana – W, 13-12
February 15 vs. Carthage – W, 22-13
February 16 vs. McKendree – L, 9-11

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