Gannon Women’s Water Polo Team Draws Defeat in VMI Invite
In their final two matches of the VMI Invite, the Gannon Women’s Water Polo team encountered tough challenges, ultimately succumbing to losses against Bucknell and Mount St. Mary’s. Despite resilient efforts from standout players, the Golden Knights faced competitive opposition that highlighted areas for improvement.
Bucknell Game: Gannon’s Early Setback
The first tilt of the weekend took the team against Bucknell. Here, the Golden Knights faced an early deficit, yielding the game’s first three goals. However, the team’s tenacity saw them clawing back into the match. Ellie Velasco, from Bronx, California, provided a timely goal early on, kicking off a comeback effort. Velesco’s performance was anything but ordinary, with a hat trick occurring in the fourth period. Her teammate, Emma O’Gorman, from Johannesburg, South Africa, also contributed with two goals, including one that cut the deficit to 5-3 in the second half. In an 18-6 defeat, Brigid Carmody, from Lansdale, Pennsylvania, added a crucial goal in the third period. Carmody’s consistent performance through the weekend marked a highlight for the team.
Mount St. Mary’s Match: Hard-Fought Victory Efforts
The second game of the tournament pitted Gannon against Mount St. Mary’s. Though the Golden Knights allowed the opening goal, O’Gorman, Carmody, and Molly Fehr, from Erie, Pennsylvania, quickly responded with three consecutive goals, erasing the deficit. Fehr’s scoring didn’t stop there, as she added two more in the second period, propelling the team to a competitive state. Before halftime, Velasco scored again, bringing Gannon within a goal at 7-6. In the third quarter, Fehr converted from a penalty shot, adding to her impressive tally, and shortly after, Carmody equaled the score at 10-8. Fehr scored once more in the fourth, ending the game with a total of six goals. Despite these efforts, Gannon was outscored 8-4 in the second half, ultimately falling 15-10.
Looking Ahead: Preparing for the Robinette Invitational
Following these matches, the Gannon Women’s Water Polo team will shift their focus to preparing for the Robinette Invitational, set for the weekend of February 22-23. This upcoming tournament serves as an opportunity for the team to build on their recent experiences, refine strategies, and seek further success.
Team Performances to Watch
Ellie Velasco continues to impress with her goal-scoring prowess, showcasing her ability to influence critical moments. Emma O’Gorman‘s consistent contributions from the field have made her a key player for the Golden Knights. Lastly, Molly Fehr‘s recent performance highlighted her versatility and skill on the water, contributing significantly to the team’s resilience during these matches. With her ability to score from open play and penalty situations, Fehr’s contributions have been invaluable.
Conclusion
The Gannon Women’s Water Polo team faced setbacks in the VMI Invite, particularly against Bucknell and Mount St. Mary’s. Despite these challenges, the team showcased resilience and strong individual performances from players like Ellie Velasco, Emma O’Gorman, and Molly Fehr. As they prepare for the Robinette Invitational, the focus will be on strengthening their strategy, improving consistency, and aiming for more victories.
We encourage our readers to comment below with your thoughts on the team’s performance or predictions for the Robinette Invitational. Stay tuned for more updates and insights from Gannon’s athletic programs!