PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The Bucknell University women’s water polo team concluded competition at the Harvard Invite at Brown University on Sunday with a decisive 15-6 victory over UC Merced, finishing the weekend with a 2-1 record.
The Bison, now 9-6 on the season, initially faced a challenge in the first quarter, trailing 2-1. However, a quick response from Addison Wedding, who scored two consecutive goals, shifted the momentum in Bucknell’s favor. This pair of tallies sparked a 5-0 run for the Orange & Blue, with Bella Schraa, Gwen Kallmeyer, and Lin Naraoka also contributing goals during the surge.
UC Merced managed to score once more, but further goals from Regan Coon and Britta Coultas extended Bucknell’s lead. The Bison continued to build their advantage throughout the second quarter, preventing any significant comeback attempt from the Bobcats.
The third period saw a flurry of activity, with both teams finding the back of the net. While UC Merced scored three times, Bucknell countered with four goals of their own, courtesy of Olivia Garcia, Olivia Hopper, Kallmeyer, and Naraoka. This offensive output solidified Bucknell’s control of the game.
In the final quarter, Bucknell’s defense tightened, holding UC Merced scoreless. Coultas added her second goal of the match, Ashley Hopper scored, and Brooke Temkin completed the scoring, securing a 15-6 victory for the Bison.
Gwen Kallmeyer led all Bucknell scorers with three goals. Wedding’s two goals in the first quarter proved pivotal in establishing the team’s lead.
Bucknell is scheduled to embark on its annual Spring Break trip next week, continuing its season against a yet-to-be-announced schedule of opponents.
