(LEBANON, Ill., April 7) – The McKendree University women's water polo team fell to Western Water Polo Association (WWPA) opponents Mercyhurst University and Gannon University on Saturday afternoon. McKendree was defeated 6-5 by Mercyhurst, and 12-9 by Gannon.
 
The Bearcats fall to 7-12 overall on the season with Saturday's losses. McKendree opened WWPA conference play 0-2.
 
GAME ONE
The Bearcats first game of the day began at 9:30 a.m. against Mercyhurst. McKendree took an early lead against Mercyhurst jumping out to a 1-0 lead at the end of the first quarter on a shot by sophomore attacker Brianna Mullalley. The Bearcats were able to continue to hold off the Mercyhurst attack in the second quarter holding the Lakers to zero goals while netting three of their own. Senior attacker Sabrina Sherrin netted two goals to open the second quarter, followed up by a goal from freshman attacker Emily Westlove to give the Bearcats a 4-0 lead at halftime.
 
Mercyhurst opened the third quarter with two goals to cut the McKendree lead down to two. Sherrin answered with her third goal of the game, but the Lakers responded with two more goals to bring themselves within one goal. At the close of the third quarter McKendree led 5-4. The Lakers were able to hold the Bearcats off the board in the fourth quarter while netting two goals to grab the 6-4 victory over McKendree.
 
GAME TWO
McKendree's second contest of the day came against Gannon University. The Golden Knights took a 5-2 lead after the first quarter with McKendree's goals coming from sophomore attacker Catie Young and Mullalley. The Bearcats held the Golden Knights to just two goals in the second quarter, while Mullalley netted her second of the game. At halftime, McKendree trailed Gannon 7-3.
 
The Bearcats matched the scoring of Gannon in the third, with three goals a side. Senior attacker Jillian Hoffman struck first in the quarter, followed by Mullalley's third goal of the game. Gannon responded with three goals to take a 10-5 lead, but Mullalley fired her fourth goal of the game past the Golden Knights net minder to cut the lead to four.
 
Gannon regained the five goal lead early in the fourth quarter, but Mullalley answered again with her fifth goal of the contest to make the score 11-7. Westlove netted her second goal of the day after being awarded a five meter penalty shot. Sophomore utility player Victoria Jones brought the Bearcats within two goals on a hard shot that beat the Gannon goalie. The Golden Knights added one last goal to seal the 12-9 victory over McKendree.

Mullalley led the Bearcats in scoring on Saturday, notching six goals on the day including five in the game against Gannon. Sherrin found the back of the net for three goals on Saturday, and Westlove scored twice. Both freshman goaltender Crystal Armstrong and senior goalie Gabby Madewell guarded the cage on Saturday registering 12 saves between the two.
 
The Bearcats are back in action on Sunday at 9:45 a.m. against Monmouth College for senior day 2018. McKendree will be honoring the three seniors, Gabby Madewell, Jillian Hoffman, and Sabrina Sherrin prior to Sunday's game.