Women's Water Polo | 2/21/2026 11:00:00 PM

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
The Red Flash took on the Harvard Crimson and the Mercyhurst Lakers on Saturday, falling 17-3 in the opener before battling to a one-goal, 9-8 loss in the evening matchup.

TURNING POINTS
Vs. Harvard:
Harvard built early momentum, taking a 5-1 lead after the first quarter and continuing to create separation throughout the contest. Despite strong defensive efforts and consistent possession time, the Crimson maintained control and closed out the match.

Vs. Mercyhurst:
The evening matchup remained close throughout. Saint Francis was tied with Mercyhurst at 6-6 at halftime, but Mercyhurst pulled ahead in the third quarter and held on in the fourth for the one-goal victory.

POOL HIGHLIGHTS
Vs. Harvard:
Caylah Olay sparked the Red Flash offense with two goals while consistently creating opportunities by drawing three ejections. Victoria Tamarit anchored the defense in goal, turning away 12 shots and adding two steals. Saint Francis showed physicality on defense behind field blocks from Bella Castaneda and Megan Marlin, while Aubrey Miller helped generate momentum by drawing multiple ejections.

Vs. Mercyhurst:
Four goals from Caylah Olay helped keep Saint Francis within reach throughout the match, while Laura Knight, Sofia Maioriello, and Sarah Hartwell added the remaining goals. Maioriello added offense and defensive pressure, while Victoria Tamarit contributed steals and an assist. Hartwell led the defensive effort, with Bella Castaneda and Megan Marlin providing support.

FLASH NUGGETS
Vs. Harvard:
Caylah Olay recorded two goals and drew three ejections.
Victoria Tamarit finished with 12 saves and two steals in goal.
Megan Marlin added two blocks and two steals on defense.
Bella Castaneda recorded a block and a steal.
Aubrey Miller drew two ejections.
 
Vs. Mercyhurst:
Caylah Olay recorded a team-high four goals, drawing two ejections and a penalty.
Sofia Maioriello finished with two goals, an assist, and two steals.
Sarah Hartwell tallied four steals to pace the defensive effort.
Victoria Tamarit contributed five saves, four steals, and an assist in goal.

ON DECK
Saint Francis returns to action tomorrow morning with a matchup against Brown University at 10:30 a.m. in Lewisburg, Pa.