Water polo falls in home opener to Villanova

ORANGE, Calif. – The Villanova University (Pa.) women's water polo team struck for three third-quarter goals to turn a halftime deficit into a lead and eventual 7-5 victory over host Chapman University at the Allred Pool on Wednesday afternoon. The loss spoiled the Panthers' home debut and was their fourth in five games.

Despite limiting the Wildcats to just two first-half goals and taking a 3-2 advantage into the break, Chapman (3-4) had the tables turned in the second half. Villanova (4-11) scored three straight goals in the third quarter, taking its first lead of the game with 3:22 left in the period. The Wildcats sealed the win with a pair of goals midway through the fourth quarter to push their lead to 7-4 after Chapman fought back to within one. It was Villanova's fourth straight win.

Chapman had 18 shots on goal turned away by Villanova goalie Julie Conrath. Of the five the Panthers managed to get past Conrath, junior A Emily Holmquist scored a pair – both in the second quarter, giving the Panthers a 3-2 lead.

Junior G Jordan Gilmore made eight saves in goal for Chapman and sophomore utility Kate Avery notched two assists and four steals in the loss.

Chapman travels to the Claremont Convergence on Friday and Saturday before returning home against Siena College (N.Y.) next Tuesday at 4 p.m.

by Doug Aiken
Sports Information Director

Boxscore: http://chapman.prestosports.com/sports/wwaterpolo/2013-14/files/Chapman_vs._Villanova.pdf

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