Strong First Half Helps Mercyhurst Past Women's Water Polo

ERIE, Pa. – The Mercyhurst women's water polo team spoiled Penn State Behrend's home opener with 15-2 victory on Thursday night at the Junker Center.

Aleeyse Utech tallied a game-high three goals to help the Lakers (5-9) snap a six-game losing streak, while posting their 15^th straight win over the Lions (2-10). Nine other players scored for Mercyhurst, while Lauren Wood netted both goals for Behrend.

The Lions had the first chance to get on the board after the opening draw, but the trickling shot did not have enough power go all the way in. The Laker responded with three quick goals, before Clare Jefferys found Wood to make it 3-1.

At the 2:30 mark, Wood had as hot hit the post and Kara Stegmann (Harleysville, PA/Souderton Area) had a save with 50 seconds showing to close out the quarter 5-1 in favor of the Lakers.

Mercyhurst opened with a 5-1 run in the opening period and matched that in the second for a 10-2 halftime lead. In the first minute, Maryn Horn (Houston, TX/Jersey Village) had her shot saved. Jena Clinch made it 6-1 and on the next possession Stegmann posted a big save that sparked a Behrend timeout.

The Lakers added four straight goals for a 10-1 lead. Wood got her second goal of the night off a quick restart from a foul with 1:24 left to play in the second quarter.

Mercyhurst registered three goals in the third and two more in the fourth for a 13-goal margin in the end.

The Lions return to action on Friday against Macalester at home, beginning at 3:40 p.m.