Scoreboard

Bryce Dolak

Women's Water Polo 2/2/2024 9:07:00 PM Bob Shreve, Assistant Director of Athletics Media Relations

Velasco, Sebunia Lead Golden Knights to 12-8 Win over VMI in VMI Invite

Gannon posts first win over Division I program since 2022

LEXINGTON, Va. – The Gannon women's water polo team returned to action on Friday night with its opening match in the VMI Invite. The Golden Knights faced the host Keydets at the VMI Aquatic Center and came away with a 12-8 victory thanks to a balanced scoring attack and outstanding play in goal by Molly Sebunia (Erie, Pa./McDowell).

The victory boosted first-year coach Zarko Sadikovic's team to 2-3 on the young season. The match was the season opener for VMI. Gannon defeated a Division I team for the first time since 2022 when the Golden Knights recorded victories over VMI and Mount St. Mary's.

Gannon trailed just once in the match, that at 1-0. Josie Frisina (Erie, Pa./Villa Maria) tied the match on a power play goal and freshman Emma O'Gorman (Johannesburg, South Africa/St Stithians College) gave Gannon a 2-1 lead at the 2:48 mark. That's how the first period would end.

The Keydets tied the match in the second period but a pair of penalty shot goals by Jade Strickland (Santa Ana, Calif./Foothill) 30 seconds apart gave Gannon a 4-2 lead. The Golden knights led 4-3 at the half.

The Golden Knights took control of the match in the third period scoring the first three goals, two courtesy of Ellie Velasco (Bronx, Calif./Arlington). VMI rallied to within a goal at 7-6 but back-to-back goals by Velasco and Molly Fehr (Erie, Pa./Villa Maria) ultimately gave Gannon a 9-7 advantage heading into the final eight minutes.

Sebunia took over from there. The junior goalie stopped five VMI shots in the fourth period. She would finish the night with 15 saves and a .652 save percentage as Gannon held the Keydets to a .258 shooting percentage.

In fact, the Gannon defense did not allow a goal in the period until 35 seconds remained in that match. By that time the Golden Knights had scored three times to go ahead 12-7.

Seven different players scored goals, with Velasco leading the way with three goals and an assist. Strickland added two goals and an assist with Fehr and O'Gorman scoring twice.

The Golden Knights return to action on Saturday with a pair of matches. They face Mount St. Mary's at 2:00 p.m. and Villanova at 6:30 p.m. Gannon faced both teams last weekend in the Villanova Invitational.

Gannon Goals: Ellie Velasco (Bronx, Calif./Arlington) 3 goals, 1 assist; Jade Strickland (Santa Ana, Calif./Foothill) 2 goals, 1 assist; Molly Fehr (Erie, Pa./Villa Maria) 2 goals; Emma O'Gorman (Johannesburg, South Africa/St Stithians College) 2 goals; Selena Martinez (Fullerton, Calif./Buena Park) 1 goal, 1 assist; Sydney McGarry (Erie, Pa./McDowell) 1 goal, 1 assist; Josie Frisina (Erie, Pa./Villa Maria) 1 goal; Ana Carerra 1 assist, Hanna Kownacki (Cypress, Texas/Bridgeland) 1 assist
Gannon Saves: Molly Sebunia (Erie, Pa./McDowell) 32 minutes, 8 goals allowed, 15 saves

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Players Mentioned

#12 Molly Fehr: 2M; Sophomore

#24 Josie Frisina: D; Junior

#4 Selena Martinez: D; Sophomore

#10 Sydney McGarry: D; Junior

#1 Molly Sebunia: G; Junior

#2 Jade Strickland: UTIL; Junior

#8 Ellie Velasco: UTIL; Junior

#9 Emma O'Gorman: 2M; Freshman

Players Mentioned

#12 Molly Fehr
: Sophomore
: 2M

#24 Josie Frisina
: Junior
: D

#4 Selena Martinez
: Sophomore
: D

#10 Sydney McGarry
: Junior
: D

#1 Molly Sebunia
: Junior
: G

#2 Jade Strickland
: Junior
: UTIL

#8 Ellie Velasco
: Junior
: UTIL

#9 Emma O'Gorman
: Freshman
: 2M