POUGHKEEPSIE, NY – La Salle women's water polo (12-5, 3-2 MAAC) captured a pivotal MAAC victory with a 13-8 win over LIU (7-17, 1-4 MAAC on Sunday afternoon at McCann Natatorium.
Junior center Samara Eschleman led the way with four goals on eight shots and contributed one assist and two steals.
Junior attacker Martina Bonet Saez filled the stat sheet with two goals, two assists, and a team-high three steals.
Freshman attacker Nadya Azzopardi added two goals and an assist, bringing her season total to 47 goals to lead the Explorers' offensive unit.
Junior goalkeeper Lily Kirby anchored the defense, recording 16 saves and two assists in the victory.
La Salle and LIU went goal-for-goal through the opening half, with the Explorers holding a narrow 6-5 lead at the break.Â
The Explorers' offense came alive in the second half, as La Salle outscored the Sharks 7-3 over the final two quarters.
La Salle currently sits in fifth place in the MAAC standings with three-regular season matchups remaining.
The Explorers will continue MAAC play with a doubleheader on Saturday, March 28 in Lexington, Va. against No. 18 Marist at 12:30 p.m. and Iona at 5:00 p.m.
