(REDLANDS, Calif., Feb. 28) – The McKendree University women's water polo team opened up play in California with a 7-5 loss to the University of Redlands on Thursday night.
 
The Bearcats move to 5-4 overall on the season.
 
Despite the defense holding strong in the first half, the offense struggled to find its footing as McKendree trailed 4-0 at the half.
 
Freshman Kaitlyn Moguel (Tujunga, CA/Crescenta Valley High School) broke through for the Bearcat offense three minutes into the second half. With under 30 seconds left in the third, freshman Danielle Borelli (Laguna Beach, CA/Laguna Beach High School) put the ball in back of the cage but McKendree would trail 6-2 heading into the final period.
 
McKendree attempted a late comeback in the fourth as freshman Hannah Baker (Barnhart, MO/Oakville High School) buried three consecutive balls to bring the Redland lead down to two. The Bearcats were unable to cut any further into the lead as they were defeated 7-5 by the University of Redlands.
 
Junior Brianna Mullalley (Chula Vista, CA/Eastlake High School) led the defense with three steals. Junior Tiana Wilson (Orange County, CA/Mt. San Antonio College), sophomore Emily Westlove (Naperville, IL/Naperville Central High School), and freshman Carley Manuel () each added two takeaways apiece.
 
A quick turnaround for the Bearcats as they open up the Convergence Tournament on Friday, opening up against the University of La Verne at 11:20a.m. PT before closing the day against California Lutheran University at 4:40p.m. PT.