PHILADELPHIA – Water Polo took on their first of three opponents this weekend as they fell short against No. 25 Long Island University by a score of 11-7.

The Wildcats were led by Sara Withers and Emmie Mallory, who scored two goals apiece in this contest.

LIU jumped out to a 4-2 lead after the first quarter and never relinquished it to the Wildcats.

As halftime approached, the Sharks added three goals, while their defense held VU to just one score in the second stanza.

Villanova scored three goals coming out of the break, but LIU answered all of them, keeping the lead at four with one frame remaining.

Both teams added a final tally to the scoresheet in the final quarter, with the Wildcats ultimately falling short while scoring their least goals in a game this season.
The last time VU was held to seven or fewer goals, was against this same Long Island team on March 24, 2024, in a 14-6 loss.

Ella Mattocks and Riley Hull led Villanova with three exclusions drawn each, increasing the offensive opportunities after earning the squad possession resets.

Anna Painter scored a goal, dished out an assist, recorded three steals, and drew an exclusion, making for an all-around day for the junior.

Layla Canales scored a penalty goal and added a field block in the contest. Emily McKenzie tacked on another block to add on to a historic defensive season, as with her stop today, she tied her own record for the third most blocks in a single season (19), with eight regular-season games still to go.

Lauren Short also was able to pick up a goal in the contest.

Gracin Kerry returned to action for the first time since March 8 against Salem. She picked up 11 saves in net while stealing the ball twice and assisting on a goal.

FAST FACTS
Ella Mattocks is within reach of two milestones during the rest of this tournament. The junior from Massachusetts is three goals away from the 100 career goal mark. She is also three shy of passing assistant coach Kaysie Stuba for sixth all-time in exclusions drawn, as the three she drew today moved her to 123 in her career.

Despite being tied for the most total wins in the MAAC, Villanova is third in the Red Division, behind Wagner, LIU, and La Salle. Their next two opponents rank first and tied for second in the division, making these upcoming matches crucial to the overall schedule.

UP NEXT
Villanova has a doubleheader tomorrow at Kirk Pool, as they take on the No. 17 Wagner Seahawks at 1:00 P.M. and will close out the weekend against the home team, the La Salle Explorers, at 4:30 P.M.

SOCIAL
For all the latest updates surrounding the program, follow Villanova Water Polo on Instagram @novawaterpolo and X (formerly Twitter) @nova_waterpolo.