O'FALLON, Ill. - McKendree University women's water polo posted a fifth-place finish in the Western Water Polo Association Championships this past weekend at the McKendree Metro Rec Plex in O'Fallon, Ill. McKendree defeated No.2 Salem University on Saturday 17-5 and No.3 Mercyhurst on Sunday 14-7 for the consolation title.
Against Salem, McKendree was led in scoring by senior attacker Courtney Smith with four goals and three assists while graduate student attacker Jaleh Moaddeli and freshman Johanna Rebelo tallied three goals each. Four Bearcats tallied two steals apiece including senior defender Delaney Hall, fifth-year senior center Abigail Burton, Moaddeli, and Rebelo. Sophomore goalkeeper Syndey Kane played in the net for all 32 minutes, collecting 13 saves for the Bearcats.
The Bearcats faced Mercyhurst in the fifth-place game on Sunday morning, sealing the victory 14-7. Moaddeli tallied four goals, three assists, and six steals in the win while Burton netted three goals. Freshman Dylan Murphy and Rebelo registered two goals each; Rebelo also delivered three assists. Kane held the net for the first half to record four saves while junior goalkeeper Kaitlyn Kasper took over for the second half.
Moaddeli earned All-Tournament Second team honors following a tournament performance of 11 goals, 12 steals, and four assists.
No.1 Biola University claimed the WWPA Championship title for the first time in school history and earned an automatic bid to the NCAA Women's Water Polo tournament.
