Women's Water Polo | 3/13/2026 11:30:00 AM

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
The Red Flash return to action on March 14, hosting Washington & Jefferson at Stokes Natatorium in Loretto, Pa. The matchup will also mark Senior Day, where Saint Francis will honor its graduating seniors.

THE WORD ON WASHINGTON & JEFFERSON
Washington & Jefferson enters the matchup with a 6-4 record after recently competing at the CWPA Weekend hosted by Grove City. The Presidents secured a pair of wins over Wheaton College (Massachusetts), 15-8, and Connecticut College, 15-11, to close out the event after splitting their opening two contests.

Hallie Ratcliff and Mackenzie Caron led the offensive efforts throughout the weekend, each recording multiple high-scoring performances. Emmie Ratcliff also played a key role offensively, while goalkeeper Lani Weaver anchored the defense with double-digit saves in several contests.

Washington & Jefferson most recently fell in a close 13-11 decision to Occidental College during the opening game of its California spring break trip, with Caron leading the team with six goals and Emmie Ratcliff adding four.

LAST TIME WE MET THE PRESIDENTS
Saint Francis and Washington & Jefferson last met during the 2017 season, when the Red Flash earned a 13-7 victory at Stokes Natatorium during the Red Flash Mini Tournament. Saint Francis used a strong defensive effort in the second half to pull away after a tightly contested opening half. With nearly a decade since the last meeting, this year's matchup features completely new rosters for both programs.

NEW TO THE LO'
Victoria Tamarit, a freshman from Valencia, Spain, brings international experience as a goalie. Laura Knight, a freshman from Auckland, New Zealand, joins the team as a utility player with strong all-around skills. Olivia George, a sophomore from Grand Blanc, Michigan, adds scoring depth and speed as an attacker. Bella Castaneda, a sophomore from Brea, California, is a versatile utility player who can make an impact at multiple positions.

FLASH FOCUS
Saint Francis will recognize its senior class prior to the matchup as part of Senior Night at Stokes Natatorium. The Red Flash will honor Megan Marlin, Lucy Willis, Sarah Hartwell, Lexanny Gonzalez, Aubrey Miller, and Caylah Olay for their contributions to the program.

Among the group, Olay ranks among the program's all-time leaders in several statistical categories, including first in career assists (103), points (358), and shots (585), while also ranking second in career goals with 255.

FROM THE DECK
Jay O'Neil enters his ninth season as head coach at Saint Francis and is now six wins shy of 100 career victories with the Red Flash and two wins shy of 200 overall. He guided the team to a program-record 14 wins in 2025 and recently earned two wins on the road. Under his leadership, Saint Francis has twice finished a program-best fifth in the postseason, in 2022 and 2024. A Bucknell graduate, O'Neil came to Loretto from Washington & Jefferson, where he earned CWPA Women's Coach of the Year honors in 2012, and also spent 10 years as aquatic director and head varsity swimming coach at Somerset Area High School.

RETURNING TO FAMILIAR WATERS
Saturday's Senior Night matchup will bring O'Neil back to Stokes Natatorium against his former program, Washington & Jefferson. He coached the Presidents' men's and women's water polo teams for four seasons, compiling a combined 104-100 record, including 56-38 with the women. During his time at W&J, O'Neil earned CWPA Women's Water Polo Coach of the Year honors in 2012, making the matchup a special return for the Red Flash head coach.

NEXT SPLASH
Saint Francis returns to the pool at home on March 14, taking on Washington & Jefferson in a contest that will also honor the graduating seniors.