(O'FALLON, Ill., April 6) – The McKendree University women's water polo team opened up a four game weekend with a split against Mercyhurst University and Salem University. The Bearcats defeated Mercyhurst for the time in program history, 10-9, following four regulation periods and two overtime periods. In the afternoon game, McKendree fell to Salem 14-9.
 
Following Saturday's games, the Bearcats move to 9-12 overall on the season.
 
Game One
Freshman Carley Manuel () put McKendree on the board first netting a goal just 24 seconds into the game. Mercyhurst would even the game at one short after. Freshman Kaitlyn Moguel (Tujunga, CA/Crescenta Valley High School) and sophomore Emily Westlove (Naperville, IL/Naperville Central High School) added in goals to push the Bearcats ahead 3-1 after the opening period.
 
A back and forth second period saw three goals for each team. Freshman Maddy Bolton (Alta Loma, CA/Los Osos High School) put two balls in the back of the cage and Westlove added her second. The Bearcats led 6-4 heading into halftime.
 
McKendree remained ahead 6-4 following a scoreless third period. In the fourth period, Mercyhurst found the back of the cage three times to tie the game at seven. Westlove added the lone Bearcat goal in the period. The two teams would head into overtime where they would play two, three minute periods to decide a winner.
 
In the first overtime session, the Lakers buried two goals to take a 9-8 lead. Junior Brianna Mullalley (Chula Vista, CA/Eastlake High School) found the cage for her first goal of the game.
 
The Bearcats would tie the game at nine following a goal from Moguel, her second. With time winding down, Westlove would bury a ball in the back of the cage just as time expired to secure a 10-9 victory over Mercyhurst, McKendree's first win over the Lakers in program history.
 
Freshman goalie Isabella Strimling () notched 11 saves and two steals in the win.
 
Game Two
After struggling offensively, the Bearcats trailed 6-2 to Salem University at the half. Westlove and Moguel found the goals in the first half for McKendree.
 
In the third period, Moguel found the back of the cage twice as the Bearcats scored four goals in the period. Westlove and Mullalley chipped in the other two goals.
 
McKendree outscored the Tigers three to one in the final period. Westlove, Moguel, and freshman Danielle Borelli (Laguna Beach, CA/Laguna Beach High School) contributed the final goals for the Bearcats as they would be defeated 14-9 at the hands of Salem.
 
The Bearcats will be right back in the pool on Sunday, as they take on Monmouth College at 10:45a.m. before closing out the day at 3:45p.m. against Carthage College.
 
Before the match against Carthage, seniors Tiana Wilson (Orange County, CA/Mt. San Antonio College) and Grace Coplin (St. Louis, MO/Mehlville High School) will be honored in their final home game as Bearcats.