Loretto, Pa- Your Saint Francis Red Flash Water Polo team heads to snowy Erie, Pennsylvania this weekend for the Mercyhurst Invitational. The opponents are Virginia Military Institute and Siena on Saturday. On Sunday, the Red Flash clash with Saint Francis College Brooklyn and La Salle University.
 
Scouting VMI
 
The Keydets open their season against Washington & Jefferson on Friday before traveling up I-79 to Erie. VMI is coming off its best season in school history and a large part of that success lies with Isabel French, the MAAC Co-Preseason Goalkeeper of the Year and last year's MAAC Rookie of the Year. VMI also returns its leading scorer in senior Shelby Barkley who ranked third in goals (86) for the MAAC. Head coach Ryan Pryor enters his fifth season as general of the Keydet squad. The Red Flash are 0-2 all-time against the Keydets.
 
Scouting Siena
 
For the second weekend in a row, the Red Flash and Saints meet in the pool for Franciscan bragging rights. Saint Francis won 12-10 last weekend at the Bison Invite. Siena is 1-3 on the season with a win over Gannon. Clare Bryar leads the offense with 18 points. The Red Flash are 2-0 all-time against the Saints.
 
Scouting Saint Francis Brooklyn
 
The Terriers open the season at the Mercyhurst Invite. Erin Gonzalez and Nicole Herrick, their leading scorers from 2017, return to lead the Terriers' attack. Megan Husak who is entering her seventh season on the job leads the Terriers. Saint Francis University is 0-1 all-time against Saint Francis Brooklyn College.
 
Scouting La Salle
 
Like the Red Flash, the Explorers are entering their second expedition as a program. Similar to VMI and Saint Francis Brooklyn, La Salle's season inaugurates at the Mercyhurst Invite. Stephanie Morales, the co-leading scorer last year with 20 points, directs the La Salle into uncharted territory. Coach Paul Macht enters his second season as head explorer. This is the first ever meeting between Saint Francis and La Salle in water polo.