Box Score 1 LA VERNE, Calif. – The VMI Water Polo Team wrapped up its opening weekend of play on Saturday, falling to Azusa Pacific before pulling out a one-goal win against La Verne.

After dropping the opener, Haley Minnich scored with five seconds remaining to top La Verne in game two. The win moves VMI to 3-1 on the season, marking the second straight year in which the Keydets opened the year winning three of their first four.

Key Stats
- Sadie Smith leads the way with four goals, six shots, three assists and four drawn exclusions
- Haley Minnich, Hollie Sauceda, Makynna Smith and Sadie Smith all record hat tricks
- Ysabel Casillas and Taylor Hammond each collect four saves, Maddie Day totals three

Game 1 at Azusa Pacific – L, 6-14
- Meagan Riding scores twice, four other Keydets score once
- Ysabel Casillas has eight saves, Maddie Day six
- The teams traded scores early, with Azusa holding a 5-3 lead after one
- The second quarter only saw one goal between the two teams, but Azusa closed with a 4-1, 4-2 second half

Game 2 at La Verne – W, 11-10
- Sydney Smith opened the scoring and Sadie Smith evened the match at 2-2
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- La Verne jumped in front 3-1, but VMI responded with six straight goals to take a 7-3 advantage midway through the second
- VMI would hold a five-goal advantage at the break, but La Verne scored five unanswered to even it at 9-9 with just under three to play
- Sadie Smith would put VMI ahead but La Verne answered
- Minnich would be the hero, scoring with five seconds left, leaving just enough time for a La Verne attempt that hit the post

What's Next
The Keydets have an off weekend before hosting the VMI Invite which will kick off February 6.

Game Results
Thursday vs. Whittier – W, 12-9
Friday at Redlands – W, 18-8
Saturday at Azusa Pacific – L, 6-14
Saturday at La Verne – W, 11-10