Marist Claims 2021 MAAC Women’s Water Polo Championship

5/2/2021 3:37:01 PM

Marist College – 13 | VMI – 10
2021 MAAC Women’s Water Polo Championship – Championship
McCann Natatorium | Marist College

Marist College (8-2, 6-2 MAAC) defeated Virginia Military Institute (6-12, 3-6 MAAC) 13-10 to claim the program’s fifth Water Polo Championship. The Red Foxes found themselves ahead at the end of the first quarter 4-3 and were able to extend their lead to 7-4 at the half. The Keydets struck back in the second half and cut the lead to 11-10. However, the Keydets’ comeback attempt would fall short as Marist added two insurance goals late to seal their victory. Marist will advance to the National Collegiate Women’s Water Polo Championship, they will find out their seeding and game matchup on Monday, May 3.

After the game, the All-Championship Team and Most Valuable Player were announced. Viktoria Orlova of Marist was named the championship’s Most Valuable Player, Orlova finished the tournament with five goals in her two games. Joining Orlova on the All-Championship Team was Marist’s Shinae Carrington, Myriam Lizotte, and Justine Castro, from VMI was McKenna Imset and Genevieve Petrassi, and La Salle’s Madison Martinez.

Marist Notes

Marist clinched their fifth MAAC Championship after finishing as the runner-up the last six seasons. It is the Red Foxes’ first championship since 2010.
The junior Orlova tallied five goals in the tournament and for her effort was named the MVP of the tournament.
Castro finished with a game-high seven points (2g, 5a). Castro finished the tournament with 12 points (5g, 7a) and was named to the All-Championship Team.
Lizotte recorded a game-high four goals, added one assist and on defense tallied two steals. The junior finished the tournament with six goals and two assists, and was named to the All-Championship Team.
Joining her fellow Red Foxes on the All-Championship team was Carrington who recorded three goals in the tournament, including the game-winner in the semifinal in sudden victory overtime.
Three other Marist players tallied goals, Kathryn McCullough had two, India Alter and Fallon Burnworth each had one.
In goal, Defensive Player of the Year Marina Hyham made nine saves and had a .474 save percentage.
The Red Foxes held a 28-25 advantage in shots and went seven-for-11 on the power play.

VMI Notes

Petrassi led the way for the Keydets with three goals on the day and had one steal. Petrassi was named to the All-Championship Team after the game.
Joining Petrassi on the All-Championship Team was redshirt-junior McKenna Imset who recorded two goals and four shots on the day.
Five other Keydets tallied one goal, they were Kiara Anguiano, Makenna Moore, Caragh Osborne, Sydney Shettleroe, and Rachel Ahumada.
In the net, Katie Lloyd made six saves while facing 28 shots.
The Keydets went four-for-seven on the power play.

Keep up with all MAAC Water Polo action by following @MAACSports on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram and by searching #MAACWP.

About the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference:
With 11 institutions strongly bound by the sound principles of quality and integrity in academics and excellence in athletics, the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) celebrates its 40^th year of competition during the 2020-21 academic year. Current conference members include: Canisius College, Fairfield University, Iona College, Manhattan College, Marist College, Monmouth University, Niagara University, Quinnipiac University, Rider University, Saint Peter’s University, and Siena College.