Penn State Behrend Water Polo: A Weekend of Close Contests and Rising Talent
The Penn State Behrend women’s water polo team experienced a mixed bag of results this past weekend at the CWPA Division III Weekend hosted by Grove City College. A decisive victory over Wheaton College was followed by a narrow defeat against the host Grove City Wolverines, highlighting both the team’s offensive capabilities and areas for improvement.
Dominating Performance Against Wheaton
Penn State Behrend showcased a strong offensive performance in their 19-11 win against Wheaton College. The Lions quickly established control, leading 8-3 after the first quarter and extending their advantage to 13-6 by halftime. Eleven different players contributed to the scoring effort, demonstrating the team’s depth.
Kaitlyn True, Hope Edwards, and Priscilla Gill each scored three goals (a “hat trick”), whereas Mackenzie Rickerd added two. Monica Villasenor was solid in goal, recording five saves. This victory brought Behrend’s record to 4-5.
Heartbreaking Loss to Grove City
The match against Grove City proved to be a much tighter affair. Despite holding an 8-6 lead at halftime, the Lions were outscored 9-6 in the second half. After falling behind 14-12, Behrend mounted a comeback, tying the game at 14-all. However, Grove City’s E. Addison scored the winning goal with just 21 seconds remaining, securing a 15-14 victory for the Wolverines.
Darragh Martin led Behrend’s scoring with three goals, while Hope Edwards, Susie Carillo, and Lauren True each tallied two. Monica Villasenor continued her strong performance with seven saves.
Looking Ahead: McKendree and Mercyhurst
Penn State Behrend will return to action against McKendree and Mercyhurst at the Hagerty Events Center. This will be an opportunity to build on their strengths and address the areas where they fell short against Grove City.
The Growing Competitiveness of CWPA Division III Water Polo
The CWPA Division III Weekend provides a snapshot of the increasing competitiveness within collegiate water polo at this level. Teams like Penn State Behrend, Grove City, and Washington & Jefferson are consistently battling for supremacy, with matches often decided by a single goal. This level of competition is fostering player development and attracting more athletes to the sport.
The Importance of Goalkeeping
Monica Villasenor’s consistent performance in goal underscores the critical role of the goalkeeper in water polo. Her combined 12 saves across the two games were vital for Behrend. Strong goalkeeping can be the difference between winning and losing, especially in close contests.
Offensive Depth as a Key to Success
The fact that eleven different players scored against Wheaton highlights the importance of offensive depth. Teams that can distribute scoring opportunities across multiple players are less predictable and more difficult to defend. This represents a strategy Penn State Behrend appears to be successfully employing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the current record of the Penn State Behrend women’s water polo team?
A: As of March 7, 2026, the team’s record is 4-6.
Q: Where will Penn State Behrend play their next games?
A: They will play against McKendree and Mercyhurst at the Hagerty Events Center.
Q: Who are some of the key players for Penn State Behrend?
A: Kaitlyn True, Hope Edwards, Priscilla Gill, Darragh Martin, and Monica Villasenor are all key contributors.
Q: What is the CWPA Division III Weekend?
A: It is a competition featuring Division III water polo teams within the Collegiate Water Polo Association.
Did you know? The Penn State Behrend women’s water polo team avenged earlier losses to Washington & Jefferson College during this weekend of competition.
Pro Tip: Follow the Penn State Behrend Athletics website for live updates, scores, and schedules throughout the season.
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