(PROVIDENCE, RI., Feb. 5) – The McKendree University women's water polo team struggled to find their first win at the Bruno Invite falling 17-2 to Villanova University in their final game of the tournament.
 
The Bearcats were held scoreless through the first quarter as Villanova scored four times, to take a 4-0 lead. Villanova scored another three goals before sophomore attacker Jillian Hoffman (Prospect Heights, IL) scored for the Bearcats. The Wildcats added two more goals before halftime to lead the Bearcats 9-1. McKendree came out quick in the third quarter, with freshman attacker Brianna Mullalley (Chula Vista, CA/Eastlake High School) netting a goal just 1:34 into the period. Villanova went on to add five goals in the quarter to lead 14-2 after three quarters. The fourth quarter saw three goals from the Wildcats, who took home a 17-2 victory over the Bearcats.
 
McKendree is back in action for division play on February 11 and 12, as they take on other club teams from the Midwest Division of the Collegiate Water Polo Association.