Women's Water Polo | 4/11/2026 8:00:00 PM

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Saint Francis split its second day of play at the Collegiate Water Polo Association (CWPA) Championships on April 11 in Ann Arbor, Mich. The Red Flash fell 9-6 to Bucknell in the morning before defeating Mercyhurst 13-5 in the afternoon.

TURNING POINTS
Vs. Bucknell:
Saint Francis trailed 5-2 at the end of the first quarter. The Red Flash continued to battle in the second, entering halftime down 6-3. Bucknell extended its lead in the third, with Saint Francis trailing 7-5 heading into the final quarter. The Red Flash were unable to close the gap in the fourth, falling 9-6.

Vs. Mercyhurst:
Jumping out to a strong start, Saint Francis led 4-1 at the end of the first quarter. The Red Flash carried that momentum into halftime with a 6-3 advantage. In the third quarter, the lead grew to 10-4 heading into the final frame. Saint Francis closed out the game in the fourth, securing a 13-5 win.

POOL HIGHLIGHTS
Vs. Bucknell:
Caylah Olay led the offense with four goals while also drawing multiple exclusions and penalties to help create scoring opportunities. Megan Marlin and Aubrey Miller each added a goal, while Sarah Hartwell and Sofia Maioriello contributed two assists each to keep the offense moving.

In cage, Victoria Tamarit finished with 10 saves and two steals. Defensively, Lexanny Gonzalez posted four blocks, and the Red Flash added several steals and stops across the lineup to slow Bucknell's attack.

Vs. Mercyhurst:
Saint Francis responded with a balanced offensive effort, led by Olay with five goals and Marlin with four goals on five shots. Gonzalez shot perfect from the field, scoring three goals on three attempts.

Hartwell and Maioriello each helped facilitate the offense with assists, while Tamarit added five saves and multiple steals in goal. The Red Flash also contributed defensively across the pool with steals and stops that limited Mercyhurst's chances. 

FLASH NUGGETS
Vs. Bucknell:
Caylah Olay led Saint Francis with four goals.
Victoria Tamarit earned 10 saves and two steals.
Lexanny Gonzalez recorded four blocks.
Sofia Maioriello recorded two assists and two steals.
Sarah Hartwell added two assists, one block, and one steal.
 
Vs. Mercyhurst:
Saint Francis scored 13 goals on 28 shot attempts.
Olay led with five goals.
Megan Marlin scored four goals on five shots.
Gonzalez went a perfect 3-for-3 shooting.
Bella Castaneda added two assists, a steal, and a drawn ejection.
Lucy Willis recorded three ejections drawn and two steals.
Tamarit recorded five saves and five steals.

ON DECK
The CWPA Championships concluded the 2025-26 season. Saint Francis will return to action in the fall.