Women’s water polo bests PSB

Daniel Leonard, Staff writer

On March 29, the women’s water polo team faced down the Penn State Behrend Lions.  The Lakers proved victorious with a 15-7 win at the Lions’ Junker Center.

“Both our goalies have surprised me with their level of play and allowed our defense to make a huge leap this year,” said Laker head coach Curtis Robinette.  Robinette is in his 15th season with the team.

“This past win was important because this game emphasized our strengths,” said sophomore defensive player Mason Feldstein. “It showed what we needed to work on as a team and individuals.”
Gaining an edge, the Lakers scored eight of the first nine goals and managed 24 steals as a team, proving to have a strong defense.  Chloe Kunst and Cristal Maldonado led the team in exclusions with five and four each, respectively.

“A noticeable strength of the team is our communication. Although it still may need work on it at times, we’ve improved,” said Feldstein.  The Lakers were unfortunately bested March 31 by the Bucknell University Bisons.   The Bisons outscored the Lakers 2-9 in the exhibition game played in Lewisburg.

The Lakers take to the pool next against Grove City College.  “We have played good polo in Erie this season,” said Robinette. “Finishing up our nonconference schedule this week and we are really starting to come together and hopefully peaking for conference games.”

Currently, the Lakers are 6-6, and are 2-1 on the road for the year. Grove City is 4-6.  For the weekend of April 7-8, the Lakers will head to Lebanon, Illinois, to face off in the McKendree Invitational.  In addition to playing McKendree University and Monmouth College, the Lakers will face off against crosstown rival Gannon University.  Gannon is currently 4-7 for the year. The Lakers will meet them in the pool on April 14.