Bucknell University
Villanova
Bucknell Women's Water Polo Downs Villanova, 9-3, at Bucknell Invitational
2/24/2007 7:00:00 AM | Women's Water Polo
Feb. 24, 2007
LEWISBURG, Pa. - Sophomore goalkeeper Rachel McGillis (Los Altos, Calif./Los Altos) stopped nine shots in her second career start, helping the Bucknell women's water polo team defeat Villanova, 9-3, at the Bucknell Invitational on Saturday afternoon in Kinney Natatorium. The victory is the second straight for the Bison, following an 11-6 win over Wagner earlier in the day, bringing the squad's record to 4-6 on the season, while the Wildcats fall to 2-3.
Bucknell opened up its game against Villanova in a similar fashion to the way it began its contest against Wagner. Three straight goals gave the Bison a 3-0 advantage to begin the first quarter with two tallies by Meagan Gins (Albuquerque, N.M./Valley) and one by Valentina Rozas (Pico Rivera, Calif./El Rancho).
With just over two minutes remaining in the first, the Wildcats were able to get on the board and inch to within two of the Bison. Then, after an early second quarter goal by Aubrey Rowe (Carlisle, Pa./Cumberland Valley), Villanova responded to keep its deficit at two.
That would be as close as the Wildcats would come, however, as Bucknell notched the next five goals, outscoring Villanova, 4-1, the rest of the way. Rozas registered her second tally of the game in the second quarter, while Jessica Trimis (La Crescenta, Calif./La Crescenta) matched that total with two in the third. Elizabeth Jensen (San Mateo, Calif./St. Ignatius Prep) and Susan Kingerski (Sugarland, Texas/St. Agnes Academy) each contributed a goal apiece, as well.
Seven different members of the Orange and Blue recorded assists against the Wildcats, with Jennifer Swoyer (Erie, Pa./McDowell) leading the way with two. Shana Palencia (Glendale, Calif./Leland) and Rozas paced Bucknell with team-highs of three steals and two ejections drawn, respectively.
The Bison will continue play in the Bucknell Invitational tomorrow, Sunday, Feb. 25, and will face Iona at 10:30 a.m., and Marist at 3:30 p.m.
VILLANOVA 1 1 0 1 -3 BUCKNELL 3 2 3 1 -9
Goals: Trimis (2), Gins (2), Rozas (2), Jensen, Kingerski, Rowe. Assists: Swoyer (2), Palencia, Gins, Rozas, Jensen, Sullivan, Rowe. Ejections Drawn: Rozas (2), Kingerski, Rowe. Saves: McGillis (9 svs., 3 ga., 32:00 min.). Steals: Palencia (3), Sullivan (2), Rowe (2), Jensen. Sprints: Palencia (1-2), Jensen (2-2).
