Women's Water Polo | April 10, 2021

PHILADELPHIA – #25 Women's water polo held of Villanova on Saturday for a 20-17 win. Five Explorers finished with multi-goal games and sophomore Emma Gurasich set a program record for saves as the Blue & Gold improved to 2-1 in conference play, 
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• The teams opened the game trading goals with neither side gaining more than a goal of separation until 4-4. Villanova then scored twice, countered by a score from junior Madelyn Koerper. The Wildcats found the back of the net again, and again La Salle had an answer through senior Madison Martinez to finish the half down 7-6.
• Sophomore Sophie Appler started the second quarter with a score and Martinez added another to give the Explorers a one-goal lead. Villanova would claw back to tie at 9-9 before three straight from the home side gave them a 12-9 advantage. The visitors found the back of the net, but senior Sarah DeFusco pushed the gap to 13-10 at the half.
• Every goal that Villanova scored out of the intermission; La Salle had an answer. The teams split the third period 4-4 and the fourth 3-3 as the Explorers emerged victorious.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

• The top number: 17. Gurasich set a new program record in net with 17 saves, breaking Jenny Fermaintt's mark of 14 set in 2019.
• Four Explorers finished with at least seven points in this game. DeFusco, Appler and sophomore Shanna Zuanich each had eight, while Martinez tallied seven.
• DeFusco led the goal scoring efforts with six strikes, followed by Appler with five and Martinez with four. 
• Zuanich was the team's top provider with five assists, followed by Martinez and fellow senior Karle Linden with three dishes.
• DeFusco, Martinez and Appler all had strong games on defense with each amassing four steals.

UP NEXT

• The Explorers host #24 Iona and Siena next weekend to finish up its home stretch.