(BLOOMINGTON, Ind., Jan. 27) – The McKendree University women's water polo fell in both contests on Saturday. The Bearcats were defeated by No. 14 University of California – Santa Barbara by a score of 15-2, and No. 19 Harvard University by a score of 19-6.
 
The Bearcats fall to 1-2 on the season, after defeating Saint Louis University at home on Wednesday. McKendree fell to two of the top 20 programs in the nation on Saturday.
 
McKendree faced UCSB in their first contest of the day. The Bearcats were held of the scoreboard through the first quarter, as the Gauchos were able to score five. McKendree freshman defender Emily Westlove netted the Bearcats two goals in the second quarter, with sophomore attacker Brianna Mullalley assisting on the first goal. McKendree trailed 11-2 at halftime, and were unable to find the back of the net throughout the remainder of the game. UCSB scored three in the third quarter and one in the fourth quarter to take a 15-2 victory over McKendree.
 
The Bearcats second game of the day came against No. 19 Harvard University. McKendree was unable to score in the first quarter of the contest as Harvard scored seven to hold a 7-0 lead heading into the second quarter. McKendree scored twice in the second quarter with goals coming from Westlove and senior attacker Sabrina Sherrin. The Crimson were able to find the back of the net for seven more in the second quarter to hold a 14-2 lead at halftime. Westlove added another goal in the third quarter for the Bearcats, but the Crimson netted four to hold an 18-3 lead. McKendree scored three in the final frame, with goals coming from sophomore utility player Victoria Jones, Westlove, and Sherrin. The Bearcats were unable to surmount the Harvard lead, and the Crimson took home a 19-6 win.
 
McKendree is back in action for two more games at the Hoosier Invite on Sunday. The Bearcats will play the Indiana University club team at 11 a.m. EST, followed up by a contest against Indiana University at 2:30 p.m. EST.