Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell University
Mercyhurst
Bucknell Women's Water Polo Ends Long Layoff with 14-6 Win Over Mercyhurst
4/6/2013 8:00:00 AM | Women's Water Polo
April 6, 2013
PRINCETON, N.J. –Playing a game for the first time since March 17, the Bucknell women's water polo team was in mid-season form as it defeated league opponent Mercyhurst by a 14-6 score Saturday evening at DeNunzio Pool. Taylor Barnett and Hannah Sunday led the Bison offense with four goals apiece as Bucknell posted its second-largest victory margin of the year.
The Bison improved to 5-14 on the season and evened their conference mark at 2-2 with just Sunday's game at Princeton remaining in the regular season. Bucknell's only victory by more than eight goals this season was in the Feb. 15 season opener against Mercyhurst, a 14-5 decision.
Barnett's four goals gave her 15 on the year, while Sunday became the first Bison to surpass the 30-goal plateau (31) this season. Barbara Peterson added a pair of scores, while four other Bucknell players netted one goal apiece.
The Bison jumped out to an 8-2 halftime lead and scored at least three goals in each quarter. The Lakers, who fell to 12-10 on the season with losses to Bucknell and Princeton on Saturday, scored no more than two goals in any quarter.
Rena Heim made 10 saves in cage for the Bison.
Bucknell had nine six-on-five opportunities, thanks mainly to three ejections drawn apiece by Julianne Valdes and Krystle Morgan.
The Bison are now 7-1 all-time against Mercyhurst and have won four in a row in the series.
Bucknell will conclude the regular season with an 11 a.m. game Sunday against No. 12 Princeton at DeNunzio Pool.
MERCYHURST 1 1 2 2 -6
BUCKNELL 3 5 3 3 -14
Goals: Barnett (4), Sunday (4), Peterson (2), Ovalle, Ferry, Morgan, Marrs.
Assists: Valdes (3), Ferry (2), Heim (2), Ovalle, Nowlin, DeRuff, Murao, Sunday, Peterson.
Field Blocks: Peterson.
Ejections Drawn: Morgan (3), Valdes (3), Murao (2), Smith.
Saves: Heim (10 svs., 6 ga., 32:00 min.).
Steals: Valdes (2), Murao, Sunday, Marrs.
Sprints: Ovalle (3-3).
Bucknell Record: 5-14, 2-2 CWPA.
